impact Q and A
What is IMPACT?
IMPACT is the name that Carroll College has given its annual giving program. Most colleges and universities have an annual giving program. Carroll's IMPACT Program has existed since the 1970s.
When do the IMPACT Annual Fund campaigns take place?
The Fund begins on July 1 and closes on June 30 of the following year. Two campaigns occur each year. In the fall, the campus campaign and alumni Phonothon take place. The parents and friends Phonothon along with the community business campaign happen in the spring.
The campus campaign began on September 1. Faculty and staff of Carroll were invited to support student scholarships or the department of their choice through a financial contribution to IMPACT. Pledges and gifts of nearly $23,000 have been received from faculty and staff. It's a testament to the belief Carroll employees have in our students to share their treasure as well as their talents and knowledge.
Also this fall, 22 student callers worked five nights a week during the Fall Phonothon, when they called alumni to seek their support of the IMPACT Annual Fund. The Phonothon took place from September 10 through November 29.
How does Carroll use the money raised through the IMPACT Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund helps bridge the gap between tuition and Carroll's operating budget. Carroll's tuition income covers only about 70 percent of a Carroll education. The Annual Fund assists the college's annual operating budget in providing support such as scholarships, financial aid and numerous special donor interests.
With 99 percent of degree-seeking students receiving financial aid and an average financial aid package exceeding $16,000 per student in the form of college-sponsored scholarships, the funds raised through IMPACT are vital to offering students the opportunity for a Carroll education. Most Carroll students come from working Montana families with more than one college-age child. On average, a Carroll student receives a 42 percent discount on tuition in the form of College gift aid, and this directly impacts a student's ability to choose a Carroll education.
What is the St. Charles Borromeo Guild and how is it related to IMPACT?
Members of the St. Charles Borromeo Guild make annual unrestricted gifts to Carroll at the following levels:
- Guild Member - $1,000-$2,499
- Guild Associate - $2,500-$4,999
- Guild Fellow - $5,000-$9,999
- Guild Advisor - $10,000 and more
Both St. Charles Borromeo Guild and IMPACT Annual Fund provide funds that address the college's most essential needs, especially student scholarships.
Who gives to the IMPACT Annual Fund? Why should I?
Contributors to IMPACT include alumni, parents and friends of Carroll, the college's faculty and staff members, local businesses, corporations and charitable foundations. All have benefited from Carroll, some directly, others indirectly - and all ensure that Carroll continues its tradition of excellence. Carroll alumni, proud of their quality education and eager to see Carroll's outstanding reputation continue, have provided especially strong leadership.
Does my IMPACT Annual Fund gift make a difference?
Yes! Every gift affirms Carroll's importance and helps provide an affordable education for our students. The combined impact of many annual gifts is substantial. The higher alumni and faculty/staff support percentages, the more likely corporations and foundations are to become benefactors. Gifts to Carroll make a difference in the lives of students and in our Helena economy.
Carroll has a $32.76 million annual budget. Conservatively, turning budget dollars over six times in our community, Carroll has a $196 million dollar impact on Helena's economy. Over the past nine years, construction on campus has exceeded $34 million. In 2007, Carroll paid $100,673 in property taxes for college and off-campus property. The college employs 310 faculty and staff and over 300 student workers with annual compensation and benefits of $13.5 million for the year ending June 30, 2007. Of Carroll's almost 1,450 students, each year approximately half of them participate in internships, cooperative education or a practicum in the Helena community. This is real-world work that helps our community. Meanwhile, Carroll students volunteers thousands of hours to local charities.
If you have made a gift to IMPACT, thank you. If not, consider the difference you can make for a Carroll student, for our Helena community and for a better world.
For more information about IMPACT, or to make your contribution today, contact:
Gayle Agostinelli, Director
IMPACT Annual Fund
Carroll College
1601 N Benton Ave
Helena, MT 59625
(406) 447-4492
gagostinelli -is-at- carroll -dot- edu