As a Rensselaer parent, you see first-hand the impact a Rensselaer education has on your son or daughter, and the value of that education. The academic and other transformative opportunities available to our students will serve them not only during their time at Rensselaer but as they join the more than 100,000-strong alumni and alumnae network across the globe.
You can further contribute to the success of your son or daughter, other current students, and future generations through a gift to the Parents Annual Fund or other key giving opportunities. Each year more than 1,400 parent and family members of past and current Rensselaer students join the donor community in supporting key priorities including student scholarship, athletics, student relief funds, and more. Your gift today will ensure that our current generation of students has the resources available to graduate and change the world alongside so many of our community.
Please join me in supporting Rensselaer and making a difference for students—our sons and daughters—while supporting future generations."
Getting More Involved: Engagement Opportunities
The Parent Annual Fund Leadership Council (Parents Council)
An annual gift of $2,500 or more per year to the Rensselaer Annual Fund or other related Institute fund gives you membership into this elite group. Council members have the option to serve as Rensselaer ambassadors, working with other families and campus leaders to enhance parent and family engagement, support student recruitment, and philanthropy.
Why Join Us?
- Invitation to quarterly meetings with Institute Leadership and Annual Giving Team
- Annual meeting will be held during Family Weekend, typically in October.
- Invitations to regional events hosted by Institute Advancement or the Office of Alumni Engagement such as luncheons, socials, receptions, and send-offs.
- Input and participation in special projects developed in collaboration with the Office of Annual Giving to support parent philanthropy.
- Senior families will receive priority seating at Commencement in the year(s) of their student’s graduation.
Giving Levels and Benefits
| Parent Leadership Committee | Society of Families |
| Annual gift of $5,000 or more per year | Annual gift of $2,500 or more per year |
| Members serve as Rensselaer ambassadors, working with other families and campus leaders | Commencement Priority Seating Tickets |
| Commencement Priority Seating Tickets | Opportunity to connect with faculty, campus leaders, and other parents at special receptions and events |
| Annual virtual or in-person meetings with campus leaders | Rensselaer lapel pin |
| Opportunity to connect with faculty, campus leaders, and other parents at special receptions and events | |
| Rensselaer lapel pin |
Your Support Makes a Difference – At Every Level
The value of our parent community is in the power of coming together to support one another. With the Annual Fund, every contribution, no matter the size, plays an important role in helping us provide essential resources and support to families like yours.
No matter what level you are able to contribute today, your generosity makes a meaningful impact. Your help is needed – now more than ever – as we continue to prepare our students to join the global network of successful alumni and alumnae after completing their education.
Areas to Support
The Rensselaer Annual Fund
The Rensselaer Annual Fund helps to provide a world-class educational experience to our students, helping to prepare them to meet the demands and challenges of the 21st century.
Undergraduate Student Relief Fund
The Student Relief Fund is an emergency fund for Rensselaer students who face financial hardship that threatens their academic progress during their time at Rensselaer.
Graduate Student Relief Fund
The Graduate Student Relief Fund is an emergency fund for Rensselaer graduate students who face financial hardship that threatens their academic progress during their time at Rensselaer.
Fraternities and Sororities
Opportunities to support fraternities and sororities at Rensselaer.
School Funds
You spent your years at Rensselaer focused on a particular field. With your support, you can demonstrate your pride and excitement by giving back in support of your school.
Annual Fund Scholars Program
One of the most personal and lasting ways to make a difference in the lives of Rensselaer students is with a gift of scholarship.
Annual Fund Assistance Grant
The Rensselaer Annual Fund Assistance Grant was established to provide emergency financial aid to an upperclassman with financial hardship.
Patroon Scholars Program
The power to make a difference in the lives of our students is fully realized through the Patroon Scholars Program.
Let’s Go Red
Your support of Let’s Go Red! funds ensures that current and future generations of students continue to receive the opportunity to balance the rigors of academics with collegiate athletics.
Rensselaer Student Success Initiatives
Helps to ensure our students possess the intellectual agility, multicultural sophistication, and global view requisite to successfully addressing the world’s many challenges and opportunities.
Rensselaer Research Fund
This fund was established in order to support the continued advancement of ongoing research initiatives.
Senior Class Giving
Giving back is a time-honored tradition at Rensselaer, culminating in the class gift during senior year.
Memorial and Tribute Scholarship Fund
Honor the memory of a loved one or commemorate a special occasion through a gift to the Rensselaer Memorial and Tribute Scholarship Fund.
Patroon Society Volunteer Program
The Patroon Society Volunteer Program consists of alumni and alumnae volunteers who are willing to connect with other alumni and alumnae to ask for their support of the Rensselaer Annual Fund.
