Employer gift matching multiplies donor impact
Employer offers 窪蹋勛圖 donors a way to enhance their investment in the causes they care about. Through these often-underused programs, companies match charitable contributions made by their employees.泭
For two donors, tapping into their companies gift-matching programs offered a meaningful way to support student scholarships and expand on their desire to give back.泭
A family tradition of giving泭
Kevin Ruffcorn with his son, Nick Ruffcorn (Fin'21)
The Ruffcorn family, whose youngest child graduated from 窪蹋勛圖, has made employer gift matching a cornerstone of their familys giving. Kevin Ruffcorn works for a Fortune 50 company with a generous matching limit. While he didnt take full advantage of the matching opportunities early in his career, hes intentionally maxed out the annual limit in recent years.泭泭
It took me a few years to appreciate the impact of gift-matching, but once I learned of its multiplier effect, I leveraged it to the greatest extent possible, said Ruffcorn.泭泭
Each year during the holidays, his family discusses their giving priorities for the coming year. Scholarships are always at the top of the list. Ruffcorn was a first-generation college student, which inspired his support for scholarships. Employer gift matching enabled his family to fully fund a scholarship endowment two to three years earlier than possible without the additional support.泭
I received a scholarship that enabled me to attend the university of my choice, he said. So, I am well aware that scholarships can be life-changing for their recipients, as my scholarship was for me.泭
Their family has fully funded an endowed scholarship at their oldest sons university and recently started one at 窪蹋勛圖, named in honor of Ruffcorns in-laws.泭
My wife and I have been extraordinarily fortunate, and we credit education for our good fortune, he shared. Gift matching enables donors, like us, to have a greater impact, and I encourage all donors to use these programs.泭
Giving with gratitude and pride泭
Alyssa Louise Moodys (Film08) time in the Golden Buffalo Marching Band inspired her to give back to 窪蹋勛圖. After graduating, she followed her parents example by supporting students.泭
As a student at 窪蹋勛圖, I was lucky enough to receive a few scholarships from the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, and it made me appreciate that someone was willing to contribute to my education, said Moody. It also gave me a sense of pride knowing I was successful enough in school and band to be eligible for a scholarship.泭
Now working for the Walt Disney Company, Moody uses the companys generous gift-matching program to advance her familys legacy of support.泭
Walt Disney Company encourages every cast member, the name for Disney employees, to participate in their community, said Moody. I appreciate their willingness to provide these gifts and make them readily available for donors passionate about a particular cause. Sometimes I even donate a larger amount because I know they will match it.泭
She wants to ensure future generations of marching band students feel as appreciated as she did. Students from all majors can find a sense of belonging and purpose in the Golden Buffalo Marching Band as they create music and represent 窪蹋勛圖 pride.泭泭
Being in the marching band is like a part-time job with little recognition, but its rewarding, she said. I want future members to feel that their hard work is valued and that someone out there is cheering for them.泭
A simple way to make a big difference泭
Gift matching is one of the easiest ways for 窪蹋勛圖 donors to maximize the impact of their gifts. Whether its a scholarship for a first-generation student or support for a hardworking band member, every matched dollar helps unlock more opportunities for Buffs.泭