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Every student, every year
In 2023–24, you played a crucial role in providing the Stanford undergraduate experience to more than 7,800 talented students, helping them contribute to a brighter future—for all of us.
Thank you for your generosity through The Stanford Fund and for the many ways you support the Stanford community.
See the impact of your collective giving
You helped make the Stanford experience possible
The promise of access, opportunity, and top-quality education is intrinsic to Stanford’s identity and history—and remains critical to its vision for the future. Today, as students face increasing economic and social pressures, the university’s capacity to provide an inclusive and transformative education is vitally important, and the support of Stanford alumni, parents, and friends has never been more valuable.
Last year, 18,000 generous individuals came together to assist undergraduates through The Stanford Fund. Of this total, 64 percent were alumni, 20 percent were alumni celebrating a reunion, 12 percent were parents of current students or alumni, and 4 percent were friends of the university.
You helped students unlock their potential, both inside and outside the classroom
Stanford is continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of students in a rapidly changing world. Gifts made through The Stanford Fund provide the resources and flexibility to ensure that every student receives support in their academic journey, personal development, and overall well-being. Last year, Stanford Fund donors contributed $26.5 million, funding need-based scholarships, top-tier academics, and extracurricular programs that foster student connections and success. The majority of these funds—90 percent—were directed toward financial aid, with the remaining 10 percent supporting student life and academic programs.
Financial aid: expanding access and opportunity
Last year, your gift through The Stanford Fund helped sustain one of the nation’s most comprehensive financial aid programs.
My scholarship has allowed me to use my time at Stanford to the fullest, from traveling for competitions with my a capella group to participating in research jobs on campus that have changed the trajectory of my time here. I have been able to meet my best friends, create amazing communities through my extracurriculars, and discover a love for computer science that I never could have predicted. My life would not be the same without The Stanford Fund and your generosity, and I am forever grateful for your contribution in allowing me to grow and thrive in this community.”
Naomi Solomon, ’25
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Nearly half of undergraduates received need-based financial aid
Stanford’s need-blind admissions policy focuses on students’ achievements and potential rather than their financial resources. The support you provided through The Stanford Fund was essential to creating a diverse student body—bringing together undergraduates from all backgrounds and interests to learn from one another and enrich the Stanford community.
More than 85 percent of students graduated debt free
Last year, more than 85 percent of undergraduates left Stanford without any student loan debt. Stanford Fund donors are essential in enhancing access and affordability for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
419 students received life-changing Stanford Fund Scholarships
Stanford offers need-based financial aid to ensure that all admitted undergraduates can attend and does not require them to take out student loans. Scholarships from Stanford cover full tuition for undergraduate families with incomes of less than $150,000. For those earning less than $100,000, Stanford also covers room and board.
Schools like Stanford seemed untouchable, unreachable, and unattainable for a person like me. I heard about them in movies or on the news, and it never once occurred to me that attending such a prestigious and renowned university would be a possibility. I cannot express in words my sincere gratitude and appreciation for my Stanford Fund Scholarship. It has completely changed the direction of my life in every way possible. I am more motivated than ever to shoot for the stars and achieve my highest potential—today, after I graduate, and in what I hope will be a successful and fulfilling career in medicine.”
Selena Niemi, ’26
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Student life: equipping students to thrive
Your support enhanced the student experience by improving access to diverse campus resources.
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Stanford Ski Team. Photo: Matthew H Tan
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Stanford Noopur. Photo: Ramya Ayyagari
Stanford Women’s Rugby. Photo: Brianna Imani Gamble
The Centers for Equity, Community, and Leadership
The Centers for Equity, Community, and Leadership (ECL) encompass the eight cultural, community, and resource centers on campus: the Asian American Activities Center, the Black Community Services Center, El Centro Chicano y Latino, The Markaz Resource Center, the Native American Cultural Center, Queer Student Resources, the Women’s Community Center, and the First Generation and/or Low-Income Student Success Center. These centers assist students throughout their entire Stanford journey, advancing equity, deepening intellectual engagement, and cultivating well-being. With support from Stanford Fund donors, ECL has provided undergraduates with physical spaces to meet, resources to create and carry out programs, and community connections to increase awareness and advocacy. Through opportunities to connect with fellow students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Bay Area community partners, ECL empowers and sustains the undergraduate experience.
The Opportunity Fund
Since 2015, the Opportunity Fund has been assisting undergraduates who are facing financial challenges or seeking funds for academic or professional development opportunities. Contributions through The Stanford Fund boost the number of grants provided by the Opportunity Fund, which is managed by the First Generation and/or Low-Income Student Success Center. Thanks to your support, students have accessed funding to cover essentials like computer repairs and supplies for capstone projects. Grants have also helped undergraduates attend conferences and workshops, travel to interviews and purchase professional clothing, and ensure their families were able to travel to campus to participate in university events like Family Weekend and graduation. The Opportunity Fund plays a vital role in meeting unexpected needs and alleviating financial burdens so that students can focus on excelling personally, academically, and professionally.
The Partnership Program
Stanford students are diverse in their passions and interests, and this is reflected in the wide array of student groups present on campus. The Partnership Program connects undergraduates with the broader university community by directing Stanford Fund donor support to student-run organizations. Ranging from performing arts clubs and cultural- and identity-based organizations to club sports teams and public service groups, more than 175 student organizations benefited from donations like yours last year. Through the Partnership Program, undergraduates participated in conferences and tournaments, created art and theater, purchased essential equipment, organized cultural events, and much more.
The Solidarity Fund
Since 2020, the Solidarity Fund has been a valuable resource for students seeking to develop innovative programs that combat anti-Black racism and foster a sense of equity, inclusion, and belonging on campus. Last year, thanks to the generosity of donors like you, more than $15,000 was granted to support student-run organizations in their efforts to promote diversity and equity and celebrate Black culture within the Stanford community. For example, in spring 2024, the Solidarity Fund supported Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Xi Beta Chapter retreat, which focused on strengthening sisterhood, boosting personal growth, improving communication, and offering leadership opportunities.
The Office for Military Affiliated Communities
The Office for Military Affiliated Communities (OMAC) assists student U.S. and international veterans, their dependents, and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets in successfully transitioning into and out of the Stanford community and strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment. Your contributions through The Stanford Fund helped OMAC provide support, resources, and advocacy to student veterans and ROTC cadets, and engage with students, staff, and faculty who were interested in learning more about the military-affiliated community.
Mental health and well-being
Stanford Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is dedicated to promoting student mental health and well-being, recognizing undergraduates as unique individuals with their own intersectional narratives and needs. Gifts through The Stanford Fund have helped expand appointment capacity, support new initiatives like a telehealth pilot program, and enable the hiring of additional CAPS counselors with specialized experience, such as substance abuse and addiction support.
Stanford has an unparalleled environment of curiosity—whether that be in the top-tier academic programs or fun student organizations that encourage exploration outside the classroom. It was very important to me that the university I chose to attend encouraged academic and personal exploration and strove for excellence in all fields. As a part of Cardinal Calypso, I had the opportunity of playing at New Student Orientation for the FACES of Stanford event. I had so much fun seeing all the new students in the audience and getting to show them what fun and joy has characterized my time at Stanford.”
Laura Sun, ’25
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Stanford Dragon Boat. Photo: Ellie Zhixi Yang
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Cardinal Ballet Company. Photo: Emily Ito Okabe
Testimony A Cappella. Photo: Ellie L Cook
Academics: educating for a life of purpose
You helped create a supportive environment for students to pursue their intellectual curiosity and become engaged citizens.
COLLEGE (Civic, Liberal, and Global Education)
In fall 2021, Stanford introduced a new requirement for first-year undergraduates called Civic, Liberal, and Global Education (COLLEGE). This program, made possible in part by ongoing contributions through The Stanford Fund, is taught by faculty from various disciplines. It encourages all first-year students to think critically, engage in respectful discourse, and explore their rights and responsibilities as citizens, both locally and globally. Through a shared curriculum and small group discussions, undergraduates develop the skills to tackle complex and even controversial issues, fostering a sense of community and civility on campus and beyond.
Learn more about the transformative impact of COLLEGE on the undergraduate experience.
Undergraduate schools
Donors who give through The Stanford Fund provide essential resources for the School of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, enabling them to invest in top-tier faculty and innovative programs that enrich the student experience. Last year, your gift helped ensure that undergraduates—from first-year students to graduating seniors—had the access, opportunities, and resources necessary to thrive during their academic journeys. You supported initiatives like the SOAR Mathematics Program, a free one-unit online summer course that helps incoming students prepare for Stanford’s math curriculum. You also made it possible for departments to hire additional teaching assistants and lecturers to accommodate growing course enrollments. Lastly, your contributions helped fund senior capstone projects, allowing students to apply their skills to real-world challenges and equipping them for leadership and career success.
Service: promoting public welfare and community engagement
2,227 hours volunteered at community service organizations
$51,125 dollars raised for students
Last year, graduating seniors and recent alumni took part in The Stanford Fund’s annual Dollars for Doers Challenge. With the support of generous alumni sponsors, participants earned $25 in challenge funds for every hour they volunteered with local nonprofit organizations. These volunteers could then direct the funds to the Stanford communities and programs of their choosing.
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Learn. Discover. Innovate. Express. Debate. Heal.
That’s what your gifts empower Stanford’s students to do.
Why I Give
“There are so many things that I remember fondly from my time at Stanford. From the first evening on campus when my dorm ran with the band to the Wacky Walk at the end of my Stanford journey, I enjoyed Stanford’s vibrant traditions and campus culture. I deeply valued my time as an intern at the Cantor Center, which shaped my future career path.
Stanford has opened so many doors for me and has impacted my life in countless positive ways. I am immensely grateful for the role that Stanford has played in my life, and I want to help future students continue to experience the exceptional opportunities that define Stanford.”
Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz, ’04
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“Leaving your student on campus for the first time can be both daunting and thrilling. It’s a significant transition as they begin to make their own decisions and develop their own values and interests. The Stanford Fund is a meaningful way to stay connected and be part of the community that will shape students into adults. Your support matters because it helps create a nurturing environment that fosters growth, development, and success.”
Allegra and Guglielmo di Borgoricco, Parents ’23, ’26, and ’28
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“Stanford paid for my education because of my family’s financial situation. I want to ensure the institution is able to continue to offer these opportunities for people like me. That’s why I donate my time and money to Stanford. Some of my fondest college memories were spending evenings in the dorms with friends, enjoying casual conversation and good company. The specific topics of discussion are now hazy, but what lingers is the feeling of connection and sense of belonging during those formative years. Plus, I still hang out with those friends to this day in my post-Stanford life.”
Oscar Ambrocio-Ramirez, ’20
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Share your story
Why do you choose to support students through The Stanford Fund? What inspires you to give back?