The Power of Flexible Philanthropy

Since the start of Meet the Moment™, donors have contributed $13,459,937 in unrestricted funds. Gifts such as these are essential for us to meet the critical needs of a thriving institution, seize unexpected opportunities and cultivate an environment of excellence and innovation for our students.  

Here, we share some ways unrestricted funds made an impact this year:  

• Student Emergency Fund awards were provided to 99 students helping with unexpected financial hardships. 
• McKeown School of Education’s Educator-Scholars of Color cohort supported 24 students.  
• Internship scholarships were awarded to 74 students to provide the financial freedom for them to participate in vital experiential learning.  
• First Year Day of Service engaged 220 student participants in community services projects throughout the North Shore. 
• Building Inclusive Academic Communities engaged 20 faculty and students in what educator and author Bell Hooks calls “education as the practice of freedom.” Now in its second year, the program is organized into pods with a senior and junior faculty member, a graduate student and two undergraduate students. The groups develop anti-racist and inclusive pedagogy practices and explore how best to make college classrooms inclusive spaces where students of all identities and backgrounds can participate fully in the learning process. Donors have made it possible for the communities to enter into a third year next fall, increasing the number of participants and pods.  
• Employee Resource Groups received program funding to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace that can contribute to better recruiting, retaining and providing a welcoming environment for new employees. 
• Our Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution roadmap was developed from knowledge gained through attending national conferences, such as the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education; a cross-collaboration of faculty, staff and students participating in reading groups led by a faculty fellow and expanding financial aid and support resources for students to remove barriers to their education.