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Outreach by dedicated Smith Fund staff, volunteers, and students takes place in myriad ways throughout the fiscal year. Each of these communications is an opportunity for us to share highlights from the college, provide examples of the stellar education and resources for students today, and to reinforce the urgent need for increased support. Each is an opportunity for you to give at that moment, and allow your valuable donation to make an immediate impact at Smith.
As a reminder, once you make a gift or pledge in any fiscal year, you will not be contacted for a gift to The Smith Fund again for the rest of that year.
Mail
Our annual fall appeal is one of our most successful solicitations. This letter shares news of the college just after students come back to campus in September. Many alumnae respond quickly to this request and enjoy the satisfaction of making an early gift. If no gift is received, a mailing will be sent in December to remind you of the tax benefits of donating before the calendar year-end.
A spring appeal letter is sent, usually in February, to non-donors at that time. For classes in reunion years, a spring mailing is often sent to encourage reunion gifts just before the May celebration. A gift envelope or web site address is regularly used in these pieces for your ease in making a gift. After a gift is made, an appreciative thank you is always delivered by mail.
Phone Calls/Phonathons
Volunteer classmates often use the phone to reach out in the fall months to follow up on the appeal letter and encourage your early support of the college. Students who are part of our student phonathon program begin their calling schedule as well. Additional concentrated student calling efforts take place in January, April, and May.
View photos of a student phonathon >
Our professional staff may call in the fall or spring, and always takes part in a special June phonathon to encourage last-minute year-end gifts. Any volunteer, student, or staff caller respects the strictest of confidentiality rules and is able to take a specific pledge or gift by credit card over the phone for your convenience. Email
As part of a global society, much of the greater Smith community enjoys the convenience and low cost of electronic communication. Once or twice a year, we send an appeal to select non-donors through email. In addition to college news or highlights, our secure web site is featured, allowing you to make your gift or pledge to the college in just one click.
Visits
Some volunteers and professional staff travel for the college or frequent an area where personal visits are convenient and possible. These visits are a lovely opportunity to establish deep connections with the loyal alumnae, parents, and friends whose generosity benefits the college, to share detailed stories and material about college progress, and to express our sincere thanks for all.
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