GW Family Philanthropy
Family philanthropy plays a crucial role in building and shaping an exemplary educational experience for GW students. Families support students through internships, career opportunities, and financial contributions at all levels that impact every facet of student life.
An important aspect of family support at GW is the Family Leadership Circle, a group of parents and families who contribute philanthropic gifts and engage with our greater GW community.
Why Families Support GW
“We've witnessed firsthand the development and growth of our daughter initially as a student-athlete and now as a well-rounded young lady, and we felt compelled to be a part of the development of future GW students."
-Risa and Eddie Bourgeois, Parents
"For students who can't afford an unpaid internship, KACIF makes a difference. It made all the sense in the world to support the fund to help students get out there and get internships."
-Lauren Fite, Parent
“If some of us who have been fortunate can make it less burdensome for others who have the talent to be at GW, then it’s some of the best investments we can make.”
-Lisa and Victor Kohn, Parents
Family Philanthropy Supports Students
Funding for Student Aid
Power & Promise Scholarship funding helps first generation students like Yessenia Gonzalez, ESIA '16, succeed and thrive without the added pressure of an increased financial burden. "When you’re the first of your family to go to college, there’s a lot of pressure to succeed, to make your family proud, and to set an example for your cousins, nieces, and nephews." -Yessenia Gonzalez '16
Center for Student Engagement
From over 450 registered student orgs, Greek Life, leadership programs, and events, the Center for Student Engagement provides an umbrella of support designed to help students build a strong community outside the classroom.
Career Services
The university created the Career Services Enhancement Initiative in 2012 to strengthen the career culture for students, alumni, and employers. The initiative empowers students and alumni to translate their academic and co-curricular experiences at GW into a lifetime of productive and engaged citizenship. Career services support helps students gain internship opportunities, turning their education into valuable workplace experience.
Family Philanthropy Delivers Knowledge
Libraries and Academic Innovation
GW Libraries and Academic Innovation enriches the academic experience of scholars and spurs innovation at GW through excellence in library services and research collections, support for teaching and learning, and targeted integration of the latest online and classroom technologies.
Undergraduate Research
The Center for Undergraduate Research assists students in securing research positions in all disciplines across the university. These positions deepen the educational experience, offer faculty mentorship, and develop future employment experience. Gifts of any size help student researchers expand their knowledge in their chosen field.
Internship Grants
Dream internship opportunities are part of the only-at-GW experience, but the cost of taking on a full-time, unpaid internship is often too much. More than 265 GW students, like Guillermo Martinez, have benefited from the Knowledge in Action Fund, which helps defray housing and cost-of-living expenses while learning on the job.
Philanthropy Spotlight - Family
Supporting Students-in-Need
How do I get involved?
The GW Family Philanthropy team is here to help! Call or email, and we’ll help match your interests with the needs of the university and its students.
Contact us at 202-994-3229 or [email protected].