Knox Fund FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the Knox Fund

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Knox Fund . . . we hope. If you have a question that is not answered below, let us know.

Why do you give to Knox?

Why is the Knox Fund important?
Contributions to the Knox Fund make up nearly 8% of the revenue needed to meet the College's educational and general expenses every year. This 8% provides the margin of excellence that makes Knox a special place. It would take an additional $50 million in the endowment to generate earnings to replace the more than $2.8 million a year that Knox College receives in Knox Fund gifts.

What does the Knox Fund support?
Knox Fund gifts provide Knox with immediate, budget-relieving support. They

• Provide students with scholarships and financial aid.
• Allow Knox to recruit and keep world-class faculty.
• Help Knox develop and maintain a world-class liberal arts curriculum.
• Enhance the student extracurricular experience.
• Support Prairie Fire Division III athletics, as well as intramural and other club sports.
• Provide up-to-date technology both in and out of the classroom.
• Support student and faculty research.
• Fund internships and other career-building opportunities.

Why is the percentage of alumni who contribute to Knox so important?
Many organizations and students use the percentage of alumni who make a gift to Knox each year as a measure of alumni satisfaction with the College and the degree of alumni commitment to Knox. A gift to the Knox Fund by an alumnus is a vote of support for Knox. Some examples of how these figures are used include:

• Knox's rank among other colleges in "percent participation" makes up an important part of Knox's total ranking in U.S. News & World Report.
• Corporations and foundations use the percentage of alumni participation as a benchmark when evaluating colleges for grants. 
• Prospective Knox students use the percentage of alumni participation in their college selection process to determine if alumni are satisfied with their choice to attend Knox.

Does the size of my gift matter for alumni percentage participation?
No. One gift of $10 counts for participation the same as one gift of $10,000.

How does Knox's alumni percentage participation compare with other schools?
Knox's alumni giving percentage in 2009-2010 was 32%, which is low for a private liberal arts college of Knox's caliber.

How is participation in the Knox Fund tracked?
We track gifts on the Knox fiscal year calendar, July 1 to June 30 each year. Any gift sent online or postmarked by June 30 counts for this year.

What if I can give only a small gift?
We want you to participate. Gifts of $250 or under made up more than $300,000 in the Knox Fund last year.

What forms of payment does Knox accept?
Knox accepts personal checks, money orders, cashiers' checks, MasterCard, or VISA. You may mail your gift to the Advancement Office, make a credit card gift online, or contact us. We'll be happy to mail you a pledge card or accept your credit card gift over the phone. See More ways to give.

Can I spread my gift out over a few months?
Yes. You can pledge an amount to be paid in installments in any months that work for you. This can be done either by check or credit card. For more information, call 888-KNOXCOL (888-566-9265) toll free in the United States, or 309-341-7233

Can my gift be anonymous?
Yes. Just let us know.

What about my spouse or partner? Are they associated with my gift?
If you would like, we'll give credit to your spouse or partner for any or all gifts you give to Knox. You will both receive recognition for the gift. If you are both alumni, your gift counts as two contributing alumni.

Can I choose what my gift supports?
Yes. Some contributors set priorities for the use of their gifts. All giving forms include options to designate your gift support.

What If I don't choose a gift designation?
Unrestricted gifts support all the operations of the College. They provide for flexibility to meet current College needs. When you select "Where the Trustees See the Greatest Need," you help Knox be responsive to students and faculty.

Do gifts to the endowment or capital projects count toward the Knox Fund?
Because they are not "current use" gifts, they do not immediately support the annual operating budget, so they are not counted in the Knox Fund.

Are there ways to increase the impact of my gift?
Yes. Many employers have programs that match their employees' gifts to charitable organizations. These matching gifts can double or triple your contribution to the Knox Fund and count toward your membership in one of Knox's gift recognition clubs. More on matching gifts.

Can I make a gift of stock?
Yes. Knox is happy to accept stock gifts and will provide any assistance you may need in transferring the securities. Gifts of stock often provide you with important tax advantages. For more information, visit our planned giving Web site or call the Office of Advancement at 888-KNOXCOL (888-566-9265) toll-free in the United States, or 309-341-7233.

How else can I help?
Volunteer. You can serve as a Class Agent, help on a Reunion Campaign Committee, or become a Knox Fund Steering Committee Member. You can also help us host an event in your area.

And what if I can't volunteer?
Talk about Knox to your friends and to young people you meet. Tell them how Knox changed your life, and why we're special. Recommend a prospective student. Encourage friends with kids to consider Knox visiting Knox. Provide internships to Knox students. Hire Knox graduates. Encourage your business associates to do the same. Want more ideas? Contact Alumni Relations.

More questions?
Contact the Office of Advancement.