Philanthropy 101 with Jenn Dougherty
Throughout my almost 15 years in the non-profit sector, I’ve been fortunate to work with people who are passionate about supporting organizations and institutions that make our local and global communities great. Meeting with and talking to people who are just starting their journey in philanthropy and those who are seasoned benefactors to create impact is a privilege. My name is Jenn Dougherty and I serve the College of Education, Health and Human Services alumni and friends in creating impactful opportunities for our EHHS students, faculty, and programs.
It is a privilege to work with EHHS leadership, aligning our vision with the philanthropic interests of our alumni and friends. Each donor is unique, and I love working with people to define their passion areas and goals for their philanthropic impact. How and where you decide to give is personal, and if you’re interested in learning more, I would be delighted to speak with you.
For Those Early in Their Philanthropic Journey
To our alumni and all interested in supporting the strategic needs of the college, we welcome gifts of any size to our foundation funds. There are funds to support each of EHHS’s four schools and many of our programs around the college, as well as our highest priority funds: EHHS Dean’s Innovation Fund and the EHHS Dean’s Scholarship Fund.
These funds are akin to grassroots fundraising. Many people are making gifts of $25 to $2,500 or more; the collective giving creates an even greater impact. For example, in the 2020-2021 academic year students have been experiencing unparalleled need. Yet, because of our alumni and friends, the College of EHHS was able to meet that need with a record breaking $670,000+ in scholarship support. Because of our donors, 312 students received financial support from the college that ensured they were able to continue their studies and earn their degrees.
For Seasoned Benefactors
Many times, as donors’ interests become more defined, they are ready to increase their partnership with EHHS’s vision for the future. These gifts are a conversation between a philanthropic advisor, like me, and our donors. Many of our donors’ goals coincide with our strategies to bring our collective vision to life. The College of EHHS envisions a future of global-minded citizens who, through access to innovative research and student-centered learning, will engage with diverse communities to improve well-being across the lifespan.
We will achieve these goals together and encourage private philanthropic investments which:
- Support our students through their full learning experience
- Prepare Globally minded citizens
- Foster a culture of inclusion and rich diversity
- Promote research and innovative partnerships
How donors make gifts can vary as well. Gifts can be made outright or pledged over a number of years via check, credit card, or transferring appreciated securities. We are also able to use more sophisticated giving tools like estate and gift planning by creating legacies through bequests, trusts, and annuities. By working with financial advisors and attorneys, we can create a plan that is exciting for our donors and impactful for our students, faculty, and programs.
We are thankful for our supporters and look forward to engaging with partners whose philanthropic passions are sparked by the work and the goals of our college.
For Students
Yes – philanthropy is for students, too! So many of our students are actively involved in volunteering or giving to causes near to their hearts. Students are also catalysts for getting our story out there – they can serve on student organization boards and manage fundraisers, participate in crowdfunding by signing up to help amplify a need they care about, and make gifts of their own. I’m happy to chat with students who are interested in learning more.
I truly believe that philanthropy is for everyone, and should be celebrated!
If you would like to learn more about how you can make an impact at Kent State and EHHS, contact Jenn Dougherty: 330-672-0425 or jdough17@kent.edu.