Office of Advancement

Quick Facts

What is the Annual Fund?

Oberlin's Annual Fund is one of the most important ways that alumni, parents and family, faculty and staff, and friends can support the mission of the College and Conservatory. Gifts made to the Annual Fund provide support to important areas on campus including financial aid, the enhancement of academic support, career readiness programming, and student activities. These current-use funds help pay for programs and equipment campus-wide, from curriculum projects and library resources to microscopes and music stands.

Annual Fund gifts have an immediate impact on the campus community.

Where does my gift actually go? How does it actually help?

Gifts made to the Annual Fund support all Oberlin students by enhancing the student experience through interdisciplinary curriculum, career readiness programming, and financial aid. Oberlin ensures financial aid to 100% of students who show demonstrated need.

Why should I consider supporting the Annual Fund every single year?

Making an annual gift every year makes a statement to foundations and college ranking publications that you support the mission of Oberlin College and Conservatory. Your annual gift provides vital and immediate support that helps to ensure funds needed to provide a college experience of the highest quality.

What is the Area of Greatest Need?

Critical needs of our students and faculty are met through gifts to The Oberlin Annual Fund. These gifts are distributed to the areas of greatest need during the current fiscal year.

Typically, about 87 percent of your unrestricted gift will go to scholarship aid. The remainder will support current-use needs around campus. These include everything from facility enhancements to emergency student loan funds.

Oberlin Annual Fund gifts also allow the College to make the most of opportunities that arise throughout the year – the chance to send a student to present research at a conference or to bring a great musician to campus for a master class.

How can I make a gift to the Annual Fund?

There are a variety of ways to make a gift to Oberlin College & Conservatory including:

  • Make your gift via our secure online gift form
  • Make a gift through your Donor Advised Fund or a stock gift 
  • Call 440-775-8550 to make your gift by phone
  • Mail your check made payable to Oberlin College to:
    Office of Advancement
    P.O. Box 72110
    Cleveland, OH 44192-0002

What is Oberlin’s fiscal year?

The Oberlin College and Conservatory fiscal year runs from July 1-June 30. The fiscal year differs from the standard calendar year as well as the academic year.

How do I set up recurring gifts?

You can set up a monthly, quarterly, or yearly recurring gift online.

If you would like assistance on setting up a recurring gift, please contact the Annual Fund office by phone at 440-755-8550 or by email at annual.fund@oberlin.edu during regular business hours Monday through Friday.

How do I update my personal information?

If you need to make any changes to your personal information, you can submit those changes to giving@oberlin.edu.

Any updates, including your name, contact information, marital status or employer, will be made to your record promptly.

I want to support Oberlin, but I don't want to be solicited more than once a year. What options do I have?

You can contact our Annual Fund office at (800) 693-3167 or at annual.fund@oberlin.edu, and they will help arrange communications options.