What is the Wittenberg Fund?
The Wittenberg Fund is the University’s unrestricted fund – it provides financial support for virtually every purpose and function of the Wittenberg learning community. Contributions provide sustaining support for academic, scholarship, cultural and athletic programs; faculty retention and recruitment; campus renewal and beautification; and other department programs and initiatives.
Why are philanthropic gifts important to the university?
The University has three primary sources of revenue: tuition, endowment earnings, and gift income. The more our donors, alumni and friends give, the better we are able to maintain tuition, facilities, and salaries at competitive levels.
The challenges facing Wittenberg and all of higher education are significant. At Wittenberg, we are tackling university-specific challenges such as historic buildings with significant maintenance needs, limited new revenue prospects, and an on-going cash crunch. To thrive, Wittenberg must adapt to current realities, and we are implementing significant cost-cutting measures.
During this season of financial hardship, the Board of Directors accepted a proposal on Aug. 15, 2024, that prioritizes in-person learning and our on-campus residential experience. The plan also meets the requirements to achieve the necessary budget reductions by the 2026-2027 academic year. This included a reduction in faculty and staff. Wittenberg will adapt, shift, and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and the world, leveraging the tools that make the most sense in terms of our mission and purpose.
While the road ahead will be challenging, we will emerge stronger and ready to provide transformative educational experiences for generations of Wittenberg Tigers to come. Our success depends on every member of the Wittenberg community reaffirming their commitment to the University. We call upon you to stand with us in supporting Wittenberg in every possible way.
To demonstrate its uncompromising belief in Wittenberg University, the Board of Directors announced on Oct. 14, 2024, that it has collectively pledged more than $8 million over the next five years. These gifts will cover the principal payments on outstanding debt, freeing resources to support students, faculty, and staff.
One way you can help is through unrestricted gifts to The Wittenberg Fund, which supports the area of greatest need on campus and directly impacts each of our students on a daily basis. Every gift, regardless of its size, strengthens our legacy of passing our light on to others. To make a gift, click here.
How can I give to Wittenberg University?
There are a number of easy ways to give – you can learn more here. You can always give by credit or debit card online.
Checks can be made out to Wittenberg University and sent to:
Wittenberg University
Office of Advancement
P.O. Box 720
Springfield, OH 45501-0720
Can I set up my gift in future payments?
Your gift can be made through several installments (monthly, quarterly, etc.). Gifts are tabulated as they come in and credited in the fiscal year received. Multi-year pledges can also be set up, for up to 5 years.
Does my gift really matter?
Every gift, no matter the size, is important to the overall effort. It is a greatly under-appreciated fact that we influence others by our acts of kindness, compassion and charity. Quite often, it is the smaller, sacrificial gift that inspires greater contributions from others. No great effort is achieved without the participation of many - and often in relation to the actions of others.
Is there someone who can answer my questions about the Wittenberg Fund?
Absolutely! Please contact Office of University Advancement office by phone: (937) 327-7430 or email wittfund@qqzhangui.com. We will be happy to answer your questions and be of any possible assistance. Please let us know how we can better serve your need for information and understanding of this issue important to us all.