MBA Class Gift

The MBA Class Gift is one of the ways for Wharton students to pay it forward and provide future MBA students with equally memorable opportunities and experiences. It is also one of the many ways you are remembered by generations of classes yet to come.

As graduates, you have a vested interest in Wharton’s continued success – which is inextricably linked to philanthropy. Wharton was founded upon philanthropy when Joseph Wharton made his gift in 1881 to establish the first collegiate business school in the world. Your Class Gift efforts honor this important legacy in the same way it has for past students and alumni – and keeps the Wharton brand strong.

Donations to the Class Gift are directed to The Wharton Fund. The Wharton Fund provides support to Wharton’s annual operating budget by backing a wide range of programs and initiatives across the School, such as:

✓ Leadership programs and coaching

✓ MBA Financial Aid

✓ Career services for both students and alumni

✓ Global Modular Courses

✓ The Wharton Executive MBA Program in both Philadelphia and San Francisco

✓ Alumni events such as Reunion Weekend

✓ Ongoing faculty research and centers

✓ Unique resources such as Wharton Business Radio on SiriusXM and Wharton School Press

And much more!

Tuition and fees only cover part of your Wharton experience. Unrestricted funds – like those raised by The Wharton Fund – are vital because they alleviate operating costs and allow the administration to respond to immediate needs and opportunities that may arise. New programs and initiatives are also made possible through unrestricted philanthropic dollars – like those to The Wharton Fund.

Your gift – regardless of size – is an incredibly powerful statement that illustrates the value of your Wharton experience. Even a small contribution to your Class Gift demonstrates that you are united in support of Wharton’s mission and its global community of students, faculty, and alumni.

The power of The Wharton Fund lies in the collective energy of participation and gifts of all sizes are valuable contributions to its success. Every dollar to The Wharton Fund is spent immediately to innovate, educate, and engage students, like you, who are the future of business.

High levels of philanthropic participation are a key indicator of the strength and health of an institution. High participation rates not only send a powerful message of affinity and support, but they are also a great way to benchmark Wharton against its peer schools.

The Young Franklin Society (YFS) is the leadership annual giving circle for Wharton graduate alumni, 0-4 years out from graduation, who want to be philanthropic leaders in the Wharton community. Entry into YFS starts at $1,000 annually.

Young Franklin Society donors are crucial to the School’s ongoing success and Wharton thrives on their generous leadership support.

Donations to the Class Gift are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The University will send you an acknowledgment letter for your gift stating the amount given during the fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

Additionally, if you are currently employed, we encourage you to check with your employer about a matching gift program. Class Gift donations that are matched will show as part of the total given by a student, often doubling the student’s original gift amount. Click here to see if your employer offers a matching gift program.

Through the Class Gift, previous students have championed an exceptional Wharton MBA experience for future generations. We hope you will pay it forward.