Your Generosity. Their Opportunity. Far-Reaching Impact.

“Scholarship gifts have a far-reaching impact. A Sacred Heart education would not be available to many of our students without financial assistance. Our students know that and appreciate your generosity, which will provide opportunities and experiences that our students haven’t begun to imagine. They are grateful; we are grateful.” - John J. Petillo Ph.D., President, Sacred Heart University

Scholarship and special gifts have an immediate and profound impact on talented students looking to put their stamp on the world. More than 90 percent of Sacred Heart undergraduates receive financial assistance from the University, which is funding in addition to loans and federal and state monies. This commitment reflects the University’s personal approach and strong commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals. But, there is ever-increasing pressure to help close the mounting financial accessibility gap that exists in higher education and the tremendous debt burden taken on by so many students pursuing their dreams.

Whether you support an existing scholarship program, special initiative or are interested in establishing a named fund, your philanthropic gesture will have a powerful impact on the life of a Sacred Heart student.

How do I establish a Named Scholarship or Special Fund?

Named Scholarships or Special Funds can be established at Sacred Heart University in honor of, or in memory of, a family member, a loved one, a student, a current or former member of the faculty/staff, a mentor, a cause/organization, or a business. We work with donors in a highly-personalized manner to best understand their intentions and to craft award criteria that match these preferences. Scholarships and Special Funds can be funded in a variety of ways, including cash donations, multi-year pledge commitments, gifts of securities (stocks), bequests in a donor’s will, or other planned gift vehicles that best fit a donor’s individual circumstances (e.g. gift annuities, trusts, etc.).

Annual Scholarships & Special Funds

A donor provides funding for an annual scholarship/special fund on a year-to-year basis after making an initial gift to fund the program for the first three years of its existence. These scholarships/special funds typically grant annual awards between $1,000 and $25,000. Annual scholarships/special funds do not earn interest and awards are made from funds available in the restricted account. The donor or other interested parties may make additional gifts to the scholarship/special fund at any time.

Learn more about Annual Scholarships

Endowed Scholarships and Special Funds

An endowed scholarship/special fund is a permanent fund in which the principal remains intact and invested at all times. Scholarships/special funds are awarded from the allocated income earned on the principal investment in accordance with Sacred Heart University’s Board of Trustees Endowment Spending Policy once the fund principal reaches $25,000.

An endowed scholarship/special fund can be established with an initial gift of $25,000 or more, or through a lesser initial gift with an accompanying pledge commitment that must be fulfilled over a period of five years or less. The donor or other interested parties may make additional gifts to the scholarship/special fund at any time.

Learn more about Endowed Scholarships

For more information on how to support scholarships or special funds, contact Stephen Auger, Assistant Vice President of Major & Planned Giving, at 203-365-4819 or augers@sacredheart.edu.