How the Alumni Fund Is Structured

OUR VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION

At Williams, we raise money by classes, for alumni are more likely to know and respond to someone with whom they spent four years. Here is how our organization is put together.

CLASS AGENT TEAMS

Each Williams class has an Alumni Fund team managed by a head agent or co-head agents, with anywhere from two to 70 or more associate agents who are responsible for contacting every member of the class. Many hands make light work, so there is no limit to the number of associate agents a class can have. Head and associate agents generally serve five-year terms, from one quinquennial reunion to the next. Within the team, some associate agents will serve on the class’s leadership gifts committee, which works with the head agent and Alumni Fund staff to identify and solicit prospective donors who could make the largest gifts in the class.

VICE CHAIRS

Class agents who have served the Alumni Fund with distinction are asked to serve three-year terms as vice chairs of the Fund. The vice chairs meet three times a year to set goals and overall strategy for the Fund. Their specific responsibilities are listed later in this section of the handbook.

ALUMNI FUND CHAIR

This individual usually serves for two years. This year Thomas M. Balderston ’78, 610-688- 4840 or tom.balderston@alumni.williams.edu, heads the Alumni Fund.

WILLIAMS STAFF SUPPORT

The Alumni Fund office supports the entire Alumni Fund team. Contact the Alumni Fund office at 413-597-4153 or 888-EPH(374)-8110 or send e-mail to annual.giving@williams.edu. These helpful people can give you information, reports, supplies, help with general strategy and letter writing, information on gifts, and anything else you might need. Always include your class year when communicating with the Alumni Fund office.

PRACTICAL MATTERS

Supplies. A packet of supplies, including note paper, envelopes, postcards, credit card slips and secret decoder ring will be sent to you at the start of the Alumni Fund. You can always use your own stationery, if you prefer.

Phone. You will receive an individual calling card to cover the cost of long-distance phone calls to your classmates, the Alumni Fund office or any member of your class team. It is yours for as long as you are a Fund volunteer. If you lose your card, contact the Fund office immediately. These cards are for official Alumni Fund business only.

Expenses. Keep track of any expenses you incur on behalf of the Fund. Send all receipts to the Alumni Fund office and you will be reimbursed as soon as possible, usually within two weeks. You may also be able to deduct on your tax return some or all of your travel/lodging expenses related to your Alumni Fund work. Please consult your tax advisor on this.

SEVEN

CLASS AGENT HANDBOOK