Annual Giving Glossary of Terms

THE “ASK”: The actual solicitation for financial support.

THE ASK AMOUNT: The amount set by the Office of Advancement to use as the suggested ask for donors during the fiscal year.

CAPITAL GIFTS: Restricted gifts that are designated for Vassar’s endowment or for major “capital” projects such as buildings.

ENDOWMENT: Funds donated to Vassar and invested by Vassar to support long-term initiatives or projects such as scholarships, professorships and programs. Vassar relies on endowment income, not the principal itself, for financial support. The amount to establish any endowed fund is a minimum of $250,000.

FISCAL YEAR: The period between July 1st and June 30th is the timeframe Vassar uses for budgetary purposes as well as the solicitation and recording of gifts to Vassar.

LYBUNT (Last Year, But Unfortunately Not This Year): Donors who made a gift to Vassar during the last fiscal year, but have not renewed their support for the current fiscal year.

OPERATING BUDGET: The pool of money used annually to support Vassar’s expenditures. Dollars raised by the Vassar Fund are directed to the operating budget, in addition to revenues generated by tuition and the endowment.

PARTICIPATION RATE: The number of alum donors divided by the number of alums who are solicitable in a fiscal year.

PLANNED GIFT: Planned Giving combines charitable contributions and financial planning, with benefits for the donor and for Vassar.

RESTRICTED GIFTS: Also known as designated gifts, these are targeted for a specific purpose and are not counted in the Vassar Fund.

SYBUNT (Some Years, But Unfortunately Not This Year): A donor who made a gift at least once in the past five years, but not the last fiscal year or the current one.

UNRESTRICTED GIFTS: Gifts that support the current year’s highest priorities. These contributions are vital to Vassar’s financial strength and flexibility.