Development and Alumni Relations

A philanthropic gift of $50,000 or more given to the University.

We enjoy interacting with faculty and learning about new research areas, projects and ideas but encourage you to talk first with your department head to discuss your funding needs.  The development office focuses on soliciting private gifts from individual alumni and friends.  If you have questions or need assistance with identifying funding opportunities from foundations or corporations, we can connect you with the University’s Corporate Engagement office or Foundation Relations office. 

Alumni and friends of the College enjoy interacting with our students, faculty and staff in a variety of ways including:  Guest speaking in the classroom; participating as volunteer on our Philanthropy Council, Alumni Society Board or Affiliate Program Group (APG); or attending a College or University event.  Faculty are also frequently featured in alumni programming.

Please contact one of the development team members who can work with you on a strategy for how to engage the prospect.  Some of our largest gifts have been secured because of a faculty member’s identification of or relationship with a potential donor.

Penn State Faculty and Staff Contribution Form. Faculty and staff giving plays an important role in ensuring the College’s success and can also influence gifts and grants from corporations and foundations, which consider faculty and staff giving rates when determining their own support for Penn State.  Gifts of all sizes are important and Penn State offers monthly payroll deduction for those who may be interested.