Increasingly, Notre Dame alumni, parents, and friends have been asking for more say in how their gifts to the University are used—and they have been heard. Earlier this summer, the University announced that gifts to the Notre Dame Annual Fund may now be directed to any of five core priorities: Financial Aid, Global Service, Academic and Student Life, Catholic Mission, and Areas of Greatest Need.

In the past, gifts to the Annual Fund were entirely unrestricted. This new change, says Michael Brach, senior director of Development, “lets people direct their dollars to the parts of the University that really resonate with them. For some, it’s helping undergrads afford their ND education through scholarships; others feel strongly about channeling their gifts toward programs and initiatives that strengthen our Catholic character. Whatever you wish to support—you now have a real choice in the matter.”

This change to the Annual Fund is the latest example of the University’s ongoing efforts to improve communication with, and stewardship of, its alumni, parents, friends, and donors. An added benefit of the new system is that the University will now be able to communicate better with its supporters about the impact of their gifts.

To learn more about Notre Dame’s core priorities and the many ways your gifts impact students and the University, visit supporting.nd.edu.