Student Philanthropy Council

Who We Are

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) is the official student volunteer group of the UWL Advancement office. These members represent dedicated and passionate students whose primary goal is to raise awareness about the impact philanthropy has on students at UWL. The SPC represents the UWL student body to alumni and friends and creates and promotes the lasting connections between past, present and future Eagles.

SPC promotes “UWL Proud” which is a program designed to raise awareness and educate students about the importance of giving back to UWL, the impact donors have made on our campus and student body, and to help prepare them to be active and engaged alumni. The SPC works to celebrate and thank donors and educate and inspire future philanthropy.

Mission

The UWL SPC exists to: enhance the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse through educating students and staff about philanthropy; to serve as UWL’s official ambassadors of the Advancement office, represent the university in a positive manner to the various on- and off-campus constituents; and serves as a link between students, administration, faculty, staff and alumni.

Goals

• Train student leaders on the fundamental principles of philanthropy and its impact on UWL
• Empower students to be advocates of philanthropy at UWL
• Create excitement, raise awareness and celebrate the impact philanthropy has on UWL through engaging activities for students

Executive Committee

President

The President of the Student Philanthropy Council is responsible for leading the organization by presiding over all meetings, preparing agendas, and ensuring effective communication between members and the Advancement office. They provide leadership and guidance to SPC members, coordinate event planning for key initiatives such as Philanthropy Week and Thank A Donor Day, and work closely with the SPC advisor to maintain the SPC constitution and prepare training materials. Additionally, the President manages the SPC's calendar and oversees the Commitment Contract hours.

Outreach Coordinators (2)

The Outreach Coordinators for the Student Philanthropy Council play a crucial role in supporting the President and ensuring the smooth operation of the council. They collaborate with residence halls, initiate partnerships with other campus clubs, and monitor the campus calendar for potential engagement opportunities. Additionally, they gauge student responsiveness to SPC events, reach out to potential speakers for meetings, and assist in coordinating events. In the absence of the President, they work with the Executive Council to fulfill the duties of the office.

Social Media Manager

The Social Media Manager for the Student Philanthropy Council is responsible for managing the council’s social media presence, including posting, commenting, and engaging with other accounts. They create content for SPC events, help build brand awareness, and capture photos at SPC activities. Additionally, they prepare marketing and promotional materials, assist in event coordination, and attend all SPC and Executive Council meetings. In the absence of the President, they work with the Executive Council to fulfill the duties of the office.

Secretary

The Secretary for the Student Philanthropy Council is responsible for documenting the council's activities by taking meeting minutes and tracking attendance, which are shared with the President. They handle post-event follow-up summaries, assist in event coordination, and manage logistical tasks such as ordering supplies and reserving event spaces. The Secretary also attends all SPC and Executive Council meetings and supports the Executive Council in fulfilling presidential duties if needed.

Member

Members of the Student Philanthropy Council at UWL are dedicated, civic-minded students who actively participate in the planning and execution of campus events. They are expected to attend all mandatory SPC meetings and key events such as Philanthropy Week and Thank A Donor Day, while also volunteering at other university functions. Members are required to represent UWL with professionalism, engage with alumni, donors, and students, and commit to serving for at least one academic year. Additionally, they contribute to the council's efforts through public speaking, interpersonal skills, and by maintaining a strong academic standing.

Apply

Interested in joining our council? Apply here: https://uwlax.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2l3OGkHxXOihq9U

Summary

The Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) would like to offer an annual grant named the SPC Award to a deserving undergraduate student organization. Qualifying student organizations will be encouraged to apply for the SPC award to support events and programs that have a positive, engaging, and inclusive impact on the UWL community.

Purpose

The implementation of the SPC Award aims to foster a culture of philanthropy and campus engagement with the UWL Alumni and Friends Foundation by providing financial support to Student Organizations. The initiative has the following objectives: 

• Prioritizing supporting student orgs with upcoming events or programs that positively impact the wider UWL community in a meaningful and inclusive way.
• Promote Philanthropy: Educate the student body on the importance of philanthropy and how donors impact our campus.
• Assist Under- Resourced Groups: Provide financial assistance to organizations on campus with a need resources.
• UWL Community Engagement: Create a bridge between the UWL Alumni and Friends Foundation and current students.

Program Details

• Applications will open September 15th and close November 15th.
• One student organization will receive $250 in funding each school year.
• Groups accepting the award may be asked to provide event updates for the SPC and its social channels.
• All applicants will be notified of their application status by December 1st .
• Declined and previously awarded organizations may apply in subsequent years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Student Organizations must be registered.
• Student Organizations must have a Student Organization Finance Office account or gift account.

Funding Exclusions:

• Requests from individuals, parties, or social gatherings
• Individual use or payment reimbursement
• Purchase of alcohol
• Politically affiliated organizations and events

Application:

Please click HERE to download the application, and submit HERE.

Philanthropy Week 2022: April 18-21

• Flags on the Union lawn: 1500 green flags to represent the 1500 students impacted by scholarships last year
• Chalking -- watch your step and learn about donors impact at UWL!
• Philanthropy Impact Maps:  Residence Halls
• Penny War 3.0!  University Communications is the defending champion.
• Union & Clock Tower 11a-1p: Help us thank 120 donors this week! 
  • Monday, April 18: Every dollar counts! Test your luck at a guessing game about how many donors give to UWL!
  • Tuesday, April 19: Philanthropy Colors UWL Color your heart out with custom Phil Week coloring sheets.
  • Wednesday, April 20: Where is Philanthropy at UWL? Answer a clue to identify areas of campus impacted by philanthropy.
  • Thursday, April 21: SENIOR CLASS GIVING DAY! First 50 Senior Class Gifts will be matched by UWL faculty and staff!

Flags at the Union

Each year, generous UWL alumni and friends donate enough money to give away nearly 1,500 scholarships to UWL students. The flag display outside the Union represents each student who received a scholarship last year.

2021 Flags at the Union

2021 Flags at Union post

UWL PENNY WAR 2.0: Department Challenge 

2019 Penny War winners: University Communications

2018 Penny War Check presentation: Sanford Hall

Check being presented to the 2018 penny wars winners

Chalking 

Watch your step during Philanthropy Week as the sidewalks around campus will be filled with nuggets of donor and giving knowledge! Can you find all the phrases? 

• This space has been impacted by UWL donors
• We <3 UWL donors
• UWL Philanthropy Week April 18-21
• #UWLProud
• 4,000+ alumni and friends give back to UWL every year
• UWL donors come from all 50 states
• 80% of gifts are LESS THAN $100!
• UWL needs philanthropy to be successful
• 1,400+ students are awarded scholarships each spring
• UWL awards over $1.2 million each spring in student scholarships – thanks to generous donors!
• Alumni donations help fund undergrad research – from source materials to lab equipment, they’ve got you covered
• Broken test tube? No sweat! – Lab materials are paid in part by Alumni
• Your ‘A’ begins with Alumni. This library is stocked in part by Alumni donations
• The best students need the best study places – Donors help fund these spaces

2019 Philanthropy Week ChalkingStriker the Eagle posing on the sidewalk

2018 Philanthropy Week Chalking
Sidewalk with chalking promoting philanthropy week

Thank A Donor Day 

Each November, the SPC hosts a table at the Union and Clock Tower, inviting students to sign a thank you postcard to donors. 

Fall 2019 Recap:

The 3rd annual Thank A Donor Day on November 21^st was a success!

The day included table displays at Whitney and Murphy Library, tabling with thank you card writing stations at the Union and Clock tower and some fun social media.

SPC members delivered the thank you notes which students wrote that day to faculty and staff donors. SPC members also wrote and delivered their handwritten notes to our payroll deduction employee donors.

§  UWL Student Newspaper “The Racquet” article 

·         Recap video 

TADD countdown- Instagram post.JPGtadd sticker 2019.jpgTADD clocktower2.JPG

Senior Class Gift Poster 2023

Senior Class Gift FAQ:

How do I make my senior class gift? 
Simply Venmo @UWLFoundation, include senior Class Gift + the designation of your choice in the "what's it for" section. For example, "Senior Class Gift-Baseball"

How do I get the white tassel?
You may pick up your white tassel anytime at the Cleary Alumni & Friends Center. $20 gifts are eligible for a white tassel. If you live out of town, please email foundation@uwlax.edu with the address you'd like your tassel mailed to.

What areas of campus can I support with my Senior Class Gift? 

See below for common areas or a complete list here!

Senior Class Gift - areas to give - fall 2022