During the process of raising money for the comprehensive Bolder Bonaventure campaign, some commonly asked questions have been asked by our alumni and friends. These questions, and the responses, have been compiled here with the hope that they will answer most of your questions about fundraising and the campaign.
What is the campaign for A Bolder Bonaventure?
Comprehensive in scope and the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s 164-year history, the Bolder Bonaventure campaign is an aggressive response to helping students prepare for the challenges and opportunities they will face in an increasingly complex world.
The silent phase of the campaign was established in 2018. By September 2022, the university was able to announce the campaign to the public, having raised nearly $80 million of its $125 million goal.
How did the campaign get its name?
A representative group of university stakeholders met in March 2018 for a “visioning session” to discuss a compelling name and case for support for the campaign. The name was born as the group considered how the campaign will further the mission and vision of the university — A Bolder Bonaventure: Ignite. Inspire. Invest.
What are the campaign’s priorities?
There are six pillars or priorities within the Bolder Bonaventure campaign. They are:
- Broadening the health care learning environment within the popular Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions.
- Transforming St. Bonaventure’s athletics facilities and ensuring a strongly competitive Division I experience for every student-athlete.
- Modernizing facilities and enhancing technology within the Jandoli School of Communication.
- Ensuring an intellectual journey that explores a larger context for our students’ personal, professional and civic lives through academic mission and student experience.
- Delivering a transformational Franciscan experience for every member of the community through Franciscan mission and ministries.
- Boosting The Bonaventure Fund, which provides financial aid and makes possible St. Bonaventure’s unique brand of Franciscan higher education.
What about needs that are not within the campaign priorities? How will these and other needs be addressed?
Although we all recognize that the university has many needs beyond those listed within the campaign pillars, given a finite pool of prospective donors, we cannot raise money for all needs at this time. Other needs will be addressed through future and ongoing fundraising efforts. Our fundraising will not end once we reach the $125 million goal for A Bolder Bonaventure.
If I give a gift to a certain pillar, how can I be sure that it will go to that pillar?
All designated gifts are deposited into fund accounts for that specific designation. External auditors pay special attention to this aspect of fundraising. As part of the university’s annual audit, they check that donations have been allocated as per the donor’s intent and also randomly send out letters to contributors to confirm both the gift size and intended usage.
What can I do to help?
Make a contribution to the campaign through a gift to The Bonaventure Fund!
Share news of the campaign with alumni and friends.
Become a member of our Leadership Giving Societies: With a yearly gift of at least $1,000, you will become a member of the prestigious Devereux Giving Society, and if you name St. Bonaventure University in your will or other estate plans, you will become a member of the Seraphim Legacy Society.