You’ve probably heard the phrases “no gift is too small” and “every gift counts” and wondered if there is any truth behind the clichés. Could your $25 donation truly make a difference to an institution like Bridgewater College? According to the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, Tammy Steele ’99, the answer is yes.
“No matter what you’re able to contribute, even the smallest gifts add up very quickly,” Steele says.
During the Connections Campaign, the greatest number of donors were the 827 who gave under $1,000. The average gift from those contributors was $154, and many gave under $100.
Jill Dellinger Early ’91, BC Alumni Association President during the public phase of the campaign, believes the Connections Campaign resonated well with alumni donors because it provided tangible priorities that made it easy for donors to understand the impact they could make at any level.
“I think there can be a perception with these kinds of campaigns that only the largest donations really matter,” Early says. “But with the Connections Campaign, our alumni were empowered to help students right away, especially through gifts to the Eagle Fund.”
Every year the Eagle Fund—which provides current-use scholarships to Bridgewater students—makes up the gap in financial aid for students who wouldn’t be able to afford a Bridgewater education without it.
“It’s easy to see how every dollar makes more opportunities possible for Bridgewater students,” Early says.
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kelly Snow believes that Bridgewater’s focus on tuition transparency has aided in making that clear. Two years ago, the College drastically reduced its tuition price, moving away from the model of high tuition and high discounts to make up the difference.
“As people better understand what a Bridgewater education actually costs, and how far even a small gift can go, they’re motivated to contribute what they can,” Snow says.
Snow says that when students and families know the real cost of a Bridgewater education is reflected in the tuition price, every gift is valuable. For many students, the financial gap that can make the difference in their ability to enroll at Bridgewater is less than $1,000 a year.
“It’s a clear example of how every dollar counts,” Snow says.
Class gifts have also provided opportunities for collective giving. Classes celebrating their 50th reunion, as well as graduating seniors, choose a focus for their giving, whether it’s part of the renovation of Bowman Hall or the Eagle Fund. Every gift, large or small, counts in the final class gift total.
Steele says, “Every donor helps keep the momentum going and will build on the success of the Connections Campaign in the future.”
Ultimately, the campaign is just one way of telling the greater story of Bridgewater College —including students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, friends and everyone who is part of the greater community. When you give to Bridgewater College, no matter how much, you’re adding to the story, whether it’s a word, line, paragraph or chapter.
– Olivia Shifflett
12/1/25
