Families Help Stanford Students Thrive
In partnership with Stanford’s faculty, staff, and administrators, we are a community that cares deeply about our students’ education, growth, safety, and well-being.
:focal(420x1:421x2))
A long history of giving by family, friends, and alumni has helped make Stanford the wonderful place it is. You can continue this legacy by supporting today’s students through The Stanford Fund.
How The Stanford Fund supports students
From move-in day to graduation—and all the moments in between—you have a hand in your student’s experiences at Stanford. Chances are, The Stanford Fund does, too.
The Stanford Fund for Undergraduate Education plays a major role in the uniquely diverse Stanford environment. When you give through The Stanford Fund, all students, including your own, benefit from your generosity.
)
)
)
Support for what matters, when it’s needed
In 2024-25, more than 2,200 parents collectively contributed $5.5 million through The Stanford Fund. Unlike gifts to most of the university's endowed or other restricted funds, Stanford Fund gifts are flexible and go to work right away in support of undergraduate priorities and academic opportunities. And, when critical needs arise, that flexibility means funds can be quickly directed to where they are needed most.
)
Stanford Fund Parent and Family Partners
As a parent or guardian of a current undergraduate, when you contribute $2,500 or more annually (per family) through The Stanford Fund, you join the ranks of Parent and Family Partners. Because tuition only covers about half of a Stanford education, annual giving provides a reliable source of support for all undergraduates. Parent and Family Partner members also receive invitations to special events and recognition in Stanford publications.
Ways to get involved
Stanford parent volunteers
Join in! Get involved with the Stanford Alumni Association in your area, host or assist with Stanford gatherings, or make a gift. However you choose to help, your participation makes a difference. Contact (650) 736-7554 or parentfamilygiving@stanford.edu.
Parent and Family Partners Committee
The Parent and Family Partners Committee raises funds by spreading the word about giving at the Parent and Family Partners level ($2,500 or more annually, per family). Committee volunteers are invited to special events. You can complete our volunteer form here.
The Parent and Family Advisory Board
Leading the way in parent volunteerism, the advisory board assists with fundraising and outreach events and provides important feedback to the university’s administration. This group of more than 50 families from around the world typically meets three times per year.
Why participate
:focal(960x640:961x641))
“The undergraduate years are special. While learning together and from each other, students experience incredible academic and personal growth—something we have had the joy of observing in our own children. By giving through The Stanford Fund, we can directly support undergraduates throughout their Stanford journeys and help ensure they have access to the resources and opportunities that help them thrive. Together, we can enrich the academic landscape and help create lasting memories for our students.”
Christina Gaw and Greg Donohugh
Parents ’22, ’24, ’26, ’28
Co-Chairs, Parent and Family Advisory Board
:focal(1394x4626:1395x4627))
“Without the burden of financial stress, I was able to pursue opportunities like teaching, mentorship, and research that would have otherwise felt out of reach. The students in my classes helped me realize that education is not just about transferring knowledge, it’s about creating community and fostering curiosity. The generosity of Stanford Fund donors has not only changed my life but also broken the cycle of generational poverty in my family. I hope that one day I’ll be in a position to pay it forward and help another student dream just as big.”
Kenny Dao, ’25
:focal(400x400:401x401))
“Whether it’s studying together late into the night, organizing philanthropy events, or simply sharing laughs over dinner, my sorority has given me a sense of belonging and a space to grow. I’m incredibly grateful to the donors who support undergraduate life at Stanford—their generosity enables organizations like ours to thrive.”
Jenny Wei, ’26
:focal(400x400:401x401))
“I chose to come to Stanford to push myself outside of my comfort zone and into a place where I was surrounded by people different from me, but each motivated and pursuing their passions. I have met people from all walks of life that I would have never encountered without Stanford, all with their own ambition and motivation. I am so excited for my next two years! I am grateful that The Stanford Fund provides support for students from all backgrounds so that I can continue to meet new people and explore new areas of campus.”
Charlotte Richard, ’27
Meet our team
:focal(676x1:677x2))
Jane Harrison
Senior Director, Stanford Parent and Family Engagement
(650) 725-6881
j.girvin.harrison@stanford.edu
Jane has worked at Stanford in various roles since 2003 and became the director of the Stanford Parent and Family Engagement program in 2011. Prior to Stanford, Jane was the director of annual giving at the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. She earned her bachelor's degree from Queen’s University in Canada.
:focal(1507x1:1508x2))
Ceci Evangelista
Senior Associate Director, Stanford Parent and Family Engagement
(650) 725-4285
ceci@stanford.edu
Ceci has worked at Stanford for more than 30 years, serving as associate director of the Stanford Parent and Family Engagement program since 2016. Ceci received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford.
:focal(197x1:198x2))
Ruth Vera-Cedro
Assistant Director, Stanford Parent and Family Engagement
(650) 736-7554
rverac@stanford.edu
Ruth joined Stanford in 2012 as development coordinator for university major gifts, East Coast. She then moved to Stanford Medical Center Development to be assistant director, cancer programs, before joining the Stanford Parent and Family Engagement program in 2017. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Santa Clara University.
Ready to make a gift?
Supporting students, fueling groundbreaking research, advancing solutions to societal challenges—your gifts to Stanford drive positive change in the world.