What is the Student Philanthropy Fund?
The Student Philanthropy Fund is a group of Bennies who are passionate about educating fellow Bennies on the concept of philanthropy (the effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations). Not only do we educate on the meaning of philanthropy, we also show the positive effects that philanthropy has on fellow classmates through the distribution of grants. The process breaks down into
4 simple steps:
1. Seniors give to the Student Philanthropy Fund
2. Bennies apply for funding through a grant application
3. The SPF Grants Committee chooses grant recipients
4. Recipients receive grants and are able to complete their prospective projects! 

Where does the money go?
Directly to your fellow friends and classmates at Saint Ben’s.  Grants of up to $3,000 are awarded based on applications from Bennies who would like financial assistance for doing  some kind of service, educational, or social justice activity.  The money that the seniors raised last year will go to Saint Ben’s students this year.  The money we raise this year will go directly to the applicants next year, and the cycle will continue; thus the theme of the campaign is Bennies to Bennies.

Why is the fundraising focusing on CSB seniors?
As Seniors we have had the fortune of being on the receiving end of thousands of CSB Alumnae donors’ support for 4 years.  We have an opportunity to join the tradition by giving back to our friends and classmates through our Bennies to Bennies Campaign.  Seniors have seen the greatest impact of alumnae generosity and now we have the chance to contribute - Next semester will be our first opportunity to also make an impact on the lives of fellow Bennies!

Why should I give?
You have the opportunity to directly support the projects and programs that your friends and classmates are leading. Any amount of money that you donate will enhance these projects and greatly benefit your fellow Bennies, the surrounding community, and even the world!

What are matching dollars?
We have matching dollars from several Alumnae that believe in the Student Philanthropy Fund – for every $20.10 gift we receive from St. Ben’s Seniors – there is a match of $20.10!! 
Each Senior gift of $20.10 is really worth $40.20! 

How can I be a part of the Student Philanthropy Fund Advisory Board?
The SPF Advisory Board is comprised of a selective group of women who believe in philanthropy and the importance of women supporting women.  If you are interested in getting involved, contact Kristin Darnall, Director of Alumnae Relations at kdarnall@csbsju.edu

How can I apply for funding?
The Grant Guidelines and Application can be found on the mainpage of the website.  The Grants Committee will be reviewing applications in the Fall of 2009.

As a college student I have a lot of expenses, including tuition; how can I afford to make a donation?
"Save your pennies for other Bennies"
$20.10 is a very feasible amount of money. If you save all of your extra change from now until May, you will have over $20! Also, if you buy a simple cup of coffee instead of a coffee cooler and save the difference, you will have over $20 by May!

          If every Bennie Senior (550 women) contributes $5, that provides $2,750
          If every Bennie Senior (550 women) contributes $10, that provides $5,500
          If every Saint Ben's senior contributes $20.10, that provides over $11,000 (+ matching dollars =
          over $22,000)!!!
                              These are huge amounts that do make a significant impact!

Institutional Advancement
College of Saint Benedict
St. Joseph, MN 56374
(320) 363-5682
(800) 648-3468