Q: What is “stewardship”?

A: While all members of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations work to steward gifts made by alumni and friends, the Office of Donor Relations is charged with proactively ensuring that the intent of all donors’ gift are realized. Donor Relations also ensures, through a variety of means, that donors see how their gifts to Brandeis have benefited the members of the University community, and that they are appropriately recognized for their generosity.

Q: Who receives stewardship reports from the Office of Donor Relations? 

A: All donors who have created endowed funds at Brandeis who wish to receive written reports do so on an annual basis.  In addition, donors can specify other family members who should receive such stewardship.

Q: What is included in a stewardship report?

A: A stewardship report includes detailed information about the activities supported by the donor's fund. For scholarship, fellowship, prize, and professorship funds, the report includes information on the students or faculty members who are being supported by the fund. For buildings and programs, the stewardship report includes details on the activities over the past year. All reports demonstrate the impact that the donor's generosity has had on the University.

Q: When will I receive my stewardship report?

A: Donors receive stewardship reports on an annual basis, usually at the same time each year. We strive to ensure that all donors receive timely stewardship. If a donor has not received stewardship for a number of years because they have not wished to, yet would like to do so again, s/he should contact the Donor Relations office. Please note that, in most cases, we begin stewardship of scholarship donors once the donor has given at least $50,000 to initially endow the fund.

Q: How are students chosen to be recipients of scholarships, fellowships and prizes?

A: Students are chosen based on how their backgrounds, academic interests, and other qualities match the designation of the given scholarship, fellowship, or prize fund. The Donor Relations office works closely with Student Financial Services, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the International Business School, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, and the offices of Student Life and Academic Affairs to ensure that student recipients are selected based on the intent of the fund and the wishes of the donor.

Q: Why do I need to go through the Office of Donor Relations to make initial contact with my scholar or fellow?

A: Donors and students greatly appreciate the chance to establish a relationship with each other; it often lasts well beyond the four years that the student is at Brandeis. The Donor Relations office must act as the liaison to establish this initial contact since we need to first check with students that they allow us to share their phone number or email. Once contact is established, we encourage the donor and student to arrange for ongoing contact as they see fit.