MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM

Matching Gifts help you increase your impact!

Did you know that your generosity to Rockford University has the potential to be doubled or even tripled? If you work for a company that matches gifts made to educational institutions, it’s easy to have your gift matched.

As long as the match amount is received by June 30, you will receive the additional Annual Fund credit for that fiscal year.

Some companies will even match the donations made by spouses and/or retirees. Additionally, matched gifts are included in your ranking in Rockford University giving societies.

If you have a question about this or any other aspect of matching gifts, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Advancement Services by email at advancement@rockford.edu or by phone at 815.394.3756.

Matching your gift will help Rockford University provide excellent opportunities for all students.

Thank you for investing in the future of the University!

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

Rockford University’s #1 fan is back on campus! Stay on the look out–he’s back, and he’s better than ever.

#backandbetterthanever

RU alumni and friends rally support in our annual Day of Giving. Each year, our community rises to the challenge of raising big funds in a little time — 24 hours of giving, driven by passion for RU and the power of social media.

In 2022, a record number of donors raised $120,300 for student scholarships, breaking an audacious goal of $100,000 and celebrating our 175^th anniversary of life-changing education. We are deeply grateful for our donors’ outpouring of generosity!

Stay tuned for details about Day of Giving 2023!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rockford University (@rockforduniversity)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rockford University (@rockforduniversity)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rockford University (@rockforduniversity)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rockford University (@rockforduniversity)

RECOGNITION

Financial support from Rockford University alumni and other friends provides for the robust education offered today and the strong future of the institution tomorrow. While no amount of recognition can truly express the gratitude of the university’s students, faculty, administration, and staff, Rockford University offers a variety of giving levels and societies to recognize donor generosity. Contributions are recognized each year (July 1 – June 30) in the Honor Roll of Donors found in the President’s Annual Report.

Jane Addams Society ($1,000 +)

Donors who annually contribute $1,000 or more become part of the Jane Addams Society, named for our most notable alumna and Nobel Laureate. Jane Addams was one of America’s most distinguished first generation of college-educated women. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree from Rockford Female Seminary, she committed her life to Hull House in Chicago which became a setting for philanthropy, political action, and social change.

Donors reflect Addams’ values by leading the way in philanthropy to Rockford University. Membership in the Jane Addams’ Society grants donors special quarterly updates from the University’s President, invitations to special events, and recognition in the Honor Roll of Donors.

Mary Ashby Cheek Society

Alumni and friends of Rockford University who provide for the future of the university through long-range planned gifts are recognized as members of the Mary Ashby Cheek Society. Mary Ashby Cheek was the tenth President of then Rockford College and embraced change that laid the groundwork for today’s university. President Cheek was responsible for securing the Phi Beta Kappa Chapter for the college and she welcomed the first classes for male students.

When donors include Rockford University in their will and estate plans, they channel the determined, futuristic spirit of Mary Ashby Cheek, benefitting the university far beyond their lifetime.

CHARTER ANNUAL FUND

Gala 2026 is being reimagined!

This year, we will be shifting the event from its usual February timeframe, and while a new date has not yet been finalized, planning is underway!

We’re excited about the opportunity to refresh and reimagine this signature event—what’s ahead will be worth the wait! We are looking forward to celebrating with you in 2026!

The Faculty and Staff Wings Campaign for Rockford University

Why give?

Working on a college campus is not a transactional endeavor. It is truly transformational, and we see examples of that each day with students, if even in small ways. There are a million heartwarming reasons to give, but did you know that faculty and staff giving is often a consideration when it comes to applying for corporate and foundation grants? Alumni giving is also one of the criteria used by US News and World Reports to determine national rank. The bottom line is that giving is vital.

How should I give?

You are welcome to give in the way that works best for you. Several options exist:

• Payroll deduction (form lives on this page, can be mailed to Meredith Stoll)
• One-time gift (either via the Give page or a check)
• Your first born (just kidding. That wouldn’t really help students at all)

When should I give?

Take off for this campaign is April 15. Any outright gift that comes in between April 15 and June 30 counts, and any payroll deduction form turned in (deductions begin on July 1) will count as participation in the Taking Flight campaign.

Take note: Day of Giving: April 27

• All faculty and staff members that support our Day of Giving will not only fulfill their Taking Flight participation, but will be entered to win an introductory flight lesson at Poplar Grove Airport!

What’s in it for me?

• An unlimited supply of warm and fuzzy feelings
• Knowing you have done your part in ensuring Rockford University qualifies for as many grant opportunities as possible
• WINGS!

1. The pretty kind: All participants will receive wings that can be hung where you see fit (publicly, we hope!)
2. The delicious kind: The faculty division AND staff department with the highest rate of participation (we calculate by full time employees) will receive a catered meeting in the summer or fall (whatever works for you). You do not have to order wings, but we could not do the theme any sort of justice if we did not try to have some fun!

If you have any questions about the Taking Flight campaign, please contact Meredith Stoll at 815.226.3376 or mstoll@rockford.edu

THANK YOU, FLIGHT CREWS!

Give Now

We are 175 years strong thanks to you. Make a gift to the Charter Annual Fund to support students who are building their futures, today!

Monthly Giving

Passionate alumni and friends form our Regent Society with their monthly gifts. Your reliable resources sustain RU students and the university in an area that is meaningful to  you.

Leadership Giving

Donors who annually contribute $1,000 or more become part of the Jane Addams Society, named for our most notable alumna and Nobel Laureate, and share her legacy through philanthropy.