The Annual Fund

Year after year, dollars from the Annual Fund equip university leaders to meet pressing needs and respond to emerging opportunities — sustaining the margin of excellence that distinguishes WashU.

See why WashU as you know it could only operate for about four-fifths of the academic year without the Annual Fund.

The Annual Fund provides immediate, flexible resources for research, scholarships, facilities, classroom technology, and much more. Whether it’s updating a research lab, recruiting a world-class scholar, or boosting financial assistance for a promising student, the Annual Fund meets the most pressing needs of the university — today. When you give to the Annual Fund, you touch every aspect of the WashU student experience, no matter the size of your investment.

Why does the university need Annual Fund gifts when it has such a robust endowment? Because the endowment is designed to sustain WashU forever, serving as a perpetual source of funding that propels our tripartite mission of teaching, research, and patient care across generations. With you and your generosity, WashU can do amazing things through both avenues of giving.

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Equation for Excellence: Annual Fund + Endowment

Fuel today’s impact. Sustain tomorrow’s promise.

Learn more

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“I grew up in an affluent area, but I needed support to attend WashU. For this reason, I especially appreciate the meaning of a WashU education. The university was extremely generous to me, and I benefited so much from attending. That’s a big reason why I feel compelled to give back.”

Mandee Polonsky, AB ’00, and Jonathan Polonsky, AB ’98

Eliot Society members and Arts & Sciences alumni

View their story

The Eliot Society: Unlocking opportunity

“If you wish to learn, enter: We welcome you.” This promise is inscribed in Latin on Brookings Hall. It’s fulfilled largely through the generosity of Eliot Society members, who give $1,000 or more annually and collectively contribute at least 80% of Annual Fund dollars each year. For less than $100 per month, step through the door and join the Eliot Society today. Become part of something bigger by shaping a WashU education and unlocking game-changing opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and all members of the university community.