During your student’s time at Washington University, they will discover their voice, develop their own ideas, and set goals for the future. They will collaborate with world-class faculty and form lifetime friendships with other students from around the world. They will become the leaders, creators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Each year, the generous support of Washington University parents helps the university provide an exceptional experience for all students. In 2019-20, WashU parents and families contributed $6.5 million to the university’s Annual Fund, which supports the following areas and many more:
- Need-based scholarship programs
- Distinguished faculty
- Undergraduate research
- New academic programs
- Exceptional leadership opportunities
- State-of-the-art facilities and learning technologies
Annual Fund gifts may be designated to support the school your student attends or another area or program that is meaningful to you, such as scholarship support, student health and wellness, University Libraries, or the Career Center.
2020–21 participation
7,106
parent households made gifts
6,781
parent households made gifts toward the Annual Fund
1,168
parent Eliot Society members
$18.8M
total parent and family gifts
$6.5M
designated to the Annual Fund
$1.81M
in scholarship gifts
Stay informed
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Scholarship support has afforded me the freedom to pursue my aspirations and to make the most of my time here at WashU… I cannot wait to pay it forward by making a difference in the lives of my patients.
Elizabeth Tolmich-Searle, Washington University Program in Physical Therapy, Class of 2022
William Greenleaf Eliot Society
Parents who make a gift of $1,000 or more are eligible for annual membership in the William Greenleaf Eliot Society. You may designate your gift to the school, program, or scholarship that is meaningful to your family, and your gift will have an impact on the educational experience of current and future WashU students.
Honor your graduate
Parents of seniors may choose to honor their graduate with a contribution to the Class of 2022 Annual Scholarship. Combined with the Senior Class Gift, this need-based scholarship will be awarded to an entering first-year student in fall 2022.
Looking for more ways to get involved?
Family members are an essential part of the Washington University community and their perspective enriches all that we do. WashU offers many ways for parents and families to get involved with the university and meet other parents, students, and alumni.