The Parent Engagement Program

THE PARENT ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM Parent Giving at Belmont University

“We’re always impressed by the unique ways Belmont engages and transforms student lives; this is truly a special place. College is but a few short years, but by the time your student graduates we believe you will share our passion for this incredible community. We hope that you will join us in meaningfully enriching student lives through your time, talent and treasure!”

Tracy and Sarah Garrison Parents of Meghan ‘20

Giving, Hosting, Engaging & More

THE PARENT ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM Parents play a vital role in the life of the University. The Office of Parent Engagement aims to

support the efforts of Bruin parents as you help your sons and daughters achieve their goals and realize their dreams. It is inspiring to know that many parents desire to see all students thrive

alongside their sons and daughters; to those families we extend a joyful invitation to consider participation in the Parent Engagement Program.

Parent support is an incredibly valuable part of our community that helps make students’ dreams come true. We take joy in acknowledging and gratefully celebrating our generous community in a variety of appreciative ways, including through special events, invitations, communications and gatherings. There are multiple levels of philanthropic engagement for you to consider and we hope you will choose to get involved. In the pages to come, you will learn more about our giving levels and society, our volunteer and engagement opportunities, and about our We Believe Campaign which has been positively impacting students’ lives in remarkable ways since 2015.

PARENT ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM LEVELS • Steering Committee $10,000 or more to an established support area at Belmont University • Leaders $5,000 or more to an established support area at Belmont University

The Parent Engagement Program (PEP) primarily engages families in four ways:

COMMUNICATION EVENTS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES GIVING The PEP team is deeply committed to helping Belmont students by connecting parents with opportunities to support the life and fiscal health of the University, especially through parent philanthropy and by growing the endowment.

• Partners $1,000 or more to an established support area at Belmont University • Donors $25 or more to an established support area at Belmont University We invite you to join us in meaningfully impacting student lives. To make a gift and become a member of the PEP community, visit belmont.edu/parentgiving

Belmont Parents Are Joining Together in Support of

WE BELIEVE: THE CAMPAIGN FOR BELMONT UNIVERSITY

At Belmont, we believe that every student was created by God

for a purpose and that this University exists to help our students

LEARN MORE

locally and globally. In essence, we aim to empower students to use

For more information, please contact the Office of Parent Engagement at 615.460.5517 or parents@belmont.edu.

explore their passions and develop their talents to meet needs

what they learn here to engage and transform the world. To ensure

we are prepared to offer and sustain what our students deserve and expect from our University—the best faculty, world-class facilities, innovative and entrepreneurial thinking, meaningful scholarship

support, dynamic and relevant programs and an environment that fosters creative thought in a Christian environment—we must

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WE BELIEVE CAMPAIGN:

Alumni, parents and friends are rallying to help us exceed our goal

The Campaign is focused on five key areas that are critical to enriching and preserving what Belmont offers students:

broaden our base of support and grow Belmont’s endowment. of $300 million and we hope you will join us!

Scholarships, Missions, Faculty Support, Athletics and Annual Giving (building a culture of philanthropy).

Every dollar committed by parents in support of Belmont University counts toward our $300 million goal.

Belmont is offering a remarkable dollar for dollar matching opportunity for parents who choose to establish an endowed fund.

THE CAMPAIGN FOR BELMONT UNIVERSITY

By establishing a named endowment, you will create a unique opportunity for your son or daughter to contribute to your family fund, as a student or alumnus, making an impact on future Belmont students.

GIVING PRIORITY SUPPORT AREAS Scholarships Scholarships often make the critical difference for talented and deserving students who want to attend Belmont but lack the financial resources to do so. Many donors derive great satisfaction from supporting the Belmont Assistance Scholarship or establishing a scholarship endowment that honors their student or bears the name of a loved one.

Missions Mission work is a unique and life-changing aspect of a Belmont education, helping students to find their God-given purpose through service to others. Giving to the Helen Ashburn Gabhart Missions Fund or establishing endowed missions funds are incredibly worthwhile ways for donors to support Belmont students and encourage them to serve locally and globally.

Faculty Support Belmont is blessed to have world-class professors and instructors who are dedicated to their students. Gifts in the form of endowed chairs and professorships allow Belmont to recruit and retain excellent faculty members. If you are passionate about areas of faculty support, please contact our office directly.

Athletics Every athlete is first a student who embodies Belmont’s values and represents the University around the world. Partnership with the Bruin Club, endowed athletic scholarships, as well as expendable gifts for athletics, are essential to the strength of Belmont’s 17 Division I athletic teams—both on and off the playing field.

Annual Giving A healthy annual giving culture reflects a strong University community. As part of the Campaign, Belmont encourages parents and alumni to give on a consistent annual basis. Annual gifts of any amount can be designated to support specific areas of the University, or they can be unrestricted donations that Belmont can put toward areas of greatest need.

BELMONT’S EXTRAORDINARY DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR ENDOWMENT MATCH There is no more effective way to ensure that future generations of Belmont students enjoy a thriving university than by providing a solid financial foundation. Endowment funds provide essential support for students, faculty and the entire Belmont community in perpetuity. Thanks to a long history of strong financial management and diligent cost control, Belmont is now able to partner with its supporters to leverage their investments in the institution’s future. The University will match endowment contributions to defined campaign priorities between $25,000 and $1.5 million “dollar for dollar,” doubling the impact of each donor’s contribution!

“We hope that you are excited about the next few years and are already sensing the special nature of Belmont that we love. It is a unique place that allows students to follow their dreams and flourish in faith, all within a supportive and caring environment. Our son’s amazing experience has inspired us to do what we can to ensure Belmont’s vibrant atmosphere is sustained for all students. We hope that you will join us in meaningfully enriching student lives through your giving!”

Luke and Colleen Welsh Parents of Trafton ‘21

PARENT PARTNERS Parent Partners are those generous parents and grandparents of Belmont students who support Belmont annually with gifts of $1,000 or more.

PARENT PARTNERS GIVE TO MANY AREAS OF BELMONT Your $1,000+ gift to any area of the University is helpful, meaningful and is recognized through the Parent Engagement Program (PEP).

Some areas of Belmont that donors enjoy supporting include their student’s college, the Annual Fund, Athletics or an endowment of their own creation. Please see below for additional giving opportunities that directly support our student-centered campaign initiatives: • Belmont Assistance Scholarship offers financial support to students who have the desire to attend but lack the financial resources to do so.

• Bruin Club supports student athletes and coaches who comprise Belmont’s 17 NCAA Division 1 teams.

• Helen Ashburn Gabhart Missions Fund provides unique and life-changing, mission-centered opportunities for students, encouraging them to serve locally and globally.

• Annual Fund enriches student lives by providing unrestricted financial support to the University and our various community needs.

GETTING CONNECTED As a Belmont Parent Partner, you can look forward to receiving communications to help keep you updated about campus news and happenings. If you enjoy connecting with others through volunteering, please let us know! Many donors enjoy serving as greeters and hosts for campus events including New Student Orientation, Move-In Weekend, Parent & Family Weekend and more.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENT PARTNERS AT BELMONT Donations from parents are an important source of direct support for Belmont students and faculty members each year. Last year, hundreds of parents supported virtually every area of the University. Without their support, Belmont students would not enjoy the vibrant, Christian educational environment available at Belmont today.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP GIFTS FROM PARENTS Leadership donations from parents are an important source of direct support for Belmont students each year. Your $5,000+ leadership gift to any area of the University is helpful, meaningful and recognized through the Parent Leadership Circle.

Some areas of Belmont that parents enjoy supporting include the Annual Fund, the Athletics Bruin Club, their student’s academic program or an endowment of their own creation.

Belmont’s Director of Parent Engagement welcomes the opportunity to chat with you and explore areas of campus that are most meaningful for you to support through your philanthropy.

PARENT LEADERS Parent Leaders are those generous parents and grandparents of Belmont students who support Belmont annually with gifts of $5,000 or more.

PARENT LEADERSHIP CIRCLE (PLC) The Parent Leadership Circle is Belmont’s giving society recognizing our most generous parent and grandparent donors. The mission of the Parent Leadership Circle is to facilitate strong philanthropic support from our parent community, to provide meaningful opportunities for engagement and to foster a warm and welcoming environment for all Belmont families.

WHO ARE PARENT LEADERSHIP CIRCLE MEMBERS? Members of the Parent Leadership Circle (PLC) are enthusiastic parents of Bruins who desire to provide meaningful support to Belmont University. All PLC members make an annual gift of $5,000 or more to Belmont.

As part of the Parent Leadership Circle you will have many opportunities to make the most out of your Belmont experience.

SPECIAL INVITATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS As a member of the Parent Leadership Circle, you can expect to receive: • Complimentary tickets to some of Belmont’s most sought-after performances and events.

• Insider communications to keep you up to date on campus news and happenings.

• Opportunities to hear from campus leaders via participation in virtual Parent Engagement forums, seminars and Q&A events.

ON-CAMPUS AND ONLINE FORUMS As part of the Parent Leadership Circle, you will receive invitations to participate in annual forums either virtually or on Belmont’s campus.

These popular events are a chance for you to gain deeper insight into Belmont’s many offerings and student opportunities. Forums are events designed to keep PLC members informed about new initiatives and programs. These Q&A-style panel discussions and social opportunities will allow you to connect with members of our faculty and administration, senior leaders and fellow parents.

Forums are typically scheduled in conjunction with signature campus events so that during your time on campus you can connect with others as well as experience stellar performances and sports competitions that are part of the life of Belmont.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES If you enjoy connecting with others through volunteering, the Parent Leadership Circle offers meaningful (but purely optional) volunteer opportunities. You can help to create a warm and welcoming environment for all Belmont families by serving as an ambassador during Parent and Family Weekend and other signature occasions or by hosting Belmont events in your local community.

STEERING COMMITTEE Each year, Belmont recruits several parents from within the

Parent Leadership Circle (PLC) to serve on the PLC’s Steering Committee. These parents serve as exuberant philanthropic ambassadors for Belmont.

WHO ARE STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS? Steering Committee Members are parents who choose to support Belmont at a higher leadership level and who are willing to further Belmont’s mission by volunteering in fundraising capacities.

Steering Committee Members are asked to: • Make an annual gift of $10,000 or more.

• Approve and sign appeal letters or email communications to fellow parents as needed.

• Enthusiastically represent Belmont, organically inviting others to share in the Bruin experience.

As philanthropic ambassadors, Steering Committee Members are also strongly encouraged to: • Participate in Parent Leadership Circle forums.

• Get to know fellow parents and make recommendations to Belmont staff of potential leadership donors or steering committee members.

• As the opportunity arises, host or attend regional events for Belmont students and parents.

All Steering Committee members help to advance the mission of the Parent Leadership Circle to facilitate strong philanthropic support from our parent community, provide meaningful opportunities for engagement and to foster a warm and welcoming environment for all Belmont families.

PLC Reception with special guest, Chip Esten

“We are committed to making Belmont the best college experience for our daughter, her classmates and all those who follow them. We believe supporting the endowment is the best platform for giving Belmont the opportunity to support faculty, expand programs and increase scholarships to make a real difference in Belmont’s quality of education and overall mission.”

Jim and Noreen Carruthers Parents of Claire ‘19

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS August–Early September Steering Committee Members thoughtfully consider their philanthropic support early in the fiscal year and pledge their $10,000+ annual commitment.

Late September–October Steering Committee Members make every effort to attend Parent and Family Weekend and to help host the PLC Reception during the weekend.

February Steering Committee Members make every effort to attend Homecoming Weekend in February and are encouraged to get to know fellow parents and engage in the life of Belmont.

Ongoing Steering Committee Members may be asked to sign an appeal letter or email encouraging fellow parents to give. Members may also be assigned a limited number of stewardship phone calls to thank parent donors. While these activities can occur any time during the year, typically solicitations occur in the early fall and again in late spring toward the end of the school year.

GIVING, HOSTING, ENGAGING & MORE Representing Belmont in Your Community

Parent Leaders and Parent Partners play an important role in creating

a warm and welcoming environment for new and prospective Belmont students and families in their local communities. Each year, giving

society members are needed to host and attend regional events that Belmont plans in locations around the country.

PLC Reception with special guest, Mark Volman

PARENT ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM LEVELS WELCOME PARTIES Welcome Parties are planned in a handful of cities around the country during July and August and provide a chance for the local Belmont community to enthusiastically welcome incoming students and their families. These events are an important initial point of contact helping to foster relationships between new Belmont families and the University. Welcome Parties are also important for families to connect with each other. Many parents of incoming students find it helpful and reassuring to connect with other Belmont families in their area.

BU2U EVENTS BU2Us are planned in partnership with Belmont’s Office of Admissions each year. BU2U events typically occur in February and March in a handful of cities around the country and are intended to provide a taste of the Belmont community to prospective students who have been admitted to Belmont but haven’t yet made a decision. The warm and welcoming atmosphere that hosts help to create is often key in helping these students choose Belmont!

HOW YOU CAN HELP Belmont seeks host families in each location who are willing to open their homes and serve as hosts. Parent Leaders and Parent Partners are ideal hosts because of their enthusiasm about Belmont and their level of insight and familiarity with campus.

• Steering Committee $10,000 or more to an established support area at Belmont University • Leaders $5,000 or more to an established support area at Belmont University • Partners $1,000 or more to an established support area at Belmont University • Donors $25 or more to an established support area at Belmont University

Parent Leaders and Partners are also called upon to to engage Belmont families and students through various (purely optional) volunteer and networking opportunities.

PARENT AMBASSADORS While event opportunities vary in location, duration and frequency, these parents are our most reliable volunteers for various campus and regional events.

PARENT EMPLOYERS

The guest list is planned with the capacity of the host’s home in mind but will always include all incoming students in the area along with their families, plus some combination of current Belmont families and alumni families.

These parents are often industry leaders, hiring managers or simply well-connected with the ability to provide internship and employment opportunities for our students in collaboration with the Office of Career & Professional Development.

Belmont’s Parent Engagement staff handle many of the logistical and planning details of these events and provide great support to the hosts.

To learn more about becoming a Parent Ambassador or Parent Employer, visit us online at belmont.edu/parents and look for the “Get Involved” tab.

OFFICE OF PARENT ENGAGEMENT Belmont University 1900 Belmont Boulevard • Nashville, TN 37212 615.460.5517 • parents@belmont.edu

To make a gift and become a member of the Parent Engagement Program (PEP) community, visit belmont.edu/parentgiving