How has the economic downturn affected Trinity’s fundraising efforts? What impact has it had on the Cornerstone Campaign? And how is the Trinity College Fund doing?
The economy and the decline in the markets slowed campaign progress in the last fiscal year. Donors contemplating substantial, multi-year gift commitments were taking longer to decide. On the other hand, the Trinity College Fund just ended its most successful fundraising year ever, thanks to both the gift-matching incentives of the Pacesetters and the loyalty demonstrated by our alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff. Further, this past year’s total represented the fourth consecutive year of rising gift revenue. As confidence returns, and if the markets continue to make gains, we are cautiously optimistic that philanthropy to Trinity will continue to improve. The operating budget, in particular, depends on the Trinity College Fund meeting its aggressive goal of $9 million this year.

Have we now felt the full impact of the downturn, or will Trinity continue to experience shortfalls over the next few years?
Absent a further precipitous deterioration of the financial markets—and once the budget is right-sized, as mentioned above—one would hope that the worst is over.