About

The Reunion Gift

Reunions are a time to recognize not just new commitments made during the reunion gift campaign, but nearly all contributions over a five-year period. The combined reunion gift total includes all new gifts and pledges made to most areas of the university since the last reunion. To mark a reunion year, many alumni make a stretch commitment above and beyond their ongoing annual support. The reunion gift includes gifts to the Alumni Fund and most capital, restricted contributions. Unlike most unrestricted annual gifts, capital gifts of a certain size can be directed to endow programs, support athletic teams, or fund building projects on campus.

During the For Humanity campaign, which extends from July 2021 to June 2026, all reunion giving also counts toward the campaign total.

What counts?

What counts?

Examples of reunion gifts may include:

  • A larger-than-usual annual contribution to the Alumni Fund
  • A stretch multi-year pledge to the Alumni Fund
  • An annual gift to the Alumni Fund plus a capital commitment to a restricted designation
  • A capital gift, generally with a restricted purpose (athletic team support, endowed scholarships, professorships, etc.)
  • A life-income planned gift, typically a charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, or pooled income fund
  • A documented, non-contingent bequest

What does not count?

  • Class dues, which are tax deductible but are gifts to the class and not to Yale
  • Payments on pledges made in a previous reunion cycle
  • Gifts to secret societies or to other organizations for which the university does not maintain budget control

Annual vs. Capital Giving

Unrestricted Gifts: Gifts to the Alumni Fund

Everyone in a reunion year is asked to make an annual gift to the Alumni Fund, regardless of any additional commitments they may make. Under the umbrella of the Alumni Fund, classmates may choose to direct their support to any of nine broad categories: unrestricted, financial aid, the arts, the sciences, athletics, library resources, student support, faculty support, or campus facilities.

A larger-than-usual annual gift to the Alumni Fund or a stretch multi-year annual pledge, payable over as many as five years, is a great way to mark the reunion year!

Restricted or Capital Gifts: Match Your Interests with Yale's Needs

Capital gifts are payable over as many as five years and match a donor’s interests with the university’s needs and priorities. Examples include:

  • Financial aid, e.g., endowed scholarships
  • Graduate and professional school fellowships
  • Faculty support funds and endowed professorships
  • President’s Fund and Provost’s Resource Fund
  • International initiatives
  • Science and technology
  • Athletics

Reunion Gift Committees

The Reunion Gift Committee is comprised of approximately 25 to 30 alumni volunteers who spearhead your class’s reunion gift campaign. Through personal generosity and conversations with classmates, committee members inspire their peers to make special commitments to Yale. They partner with development staff on strategy and add warmth, enthusiasm, and perspective to the campaign. While the entire class will be invited to participate in the reunion gift, the Reunion Gift Committee prioritizes personal conversations with about 20 percent of the class who have the capacity and inclination to make a stretch commitment—a commitment above and beyond their typical annual support—in honor of their reunion.

Meet the 2024 reunion gift committee members.

Volunteer Job Descriptions

Reunion Gift Committee Chair

A chair must demonstrate their support of the university at a level that exemplifies leadership and is consistent with the visibility and recognition they will receive throughout the life of the reunion gift campaign. They speak passionately about Yale and are well-known and respected by their classmates.  Many successful reunion gift committees are co-chaired by three to five class leaders. View the complete Reunion Gift Committee Chair job description.

Reunion Gift Committee Member

Committee members will be expected to serve as ambassadors and advocates for Yale in their personal and professional networks. They will identify, cultivate, solicit, and thank a group of classmates capable of making a gift. View the complete Reunion Gift Committee Member job description.