Leadership Giving
Gifts to establish permanent, endowed funds that support student financial aid, academic programs, faculty positions, and information technology, and gifts for capital purposes such as construction, renovation, and new curricular and extracurricular programming are crucial to the college’s immediate success and long-term growth. These opportunities to support Bates represent meaningful investments in the Bates experience and in the financial well-being of the college — making a difference in the lives of Bates students today and for generations to come.
Gift Opportunities
Athletics & Well-Being
In the ever-evolving realm of college athletics, team endowments provide consistent resources crucial to offering a competitive and equitable student-athlete experience.
Academic Experience
Academic endowments create a permanent fund that provides sustained support for key campus priorities, such as professorships, student research, and academic departments. By supporting an endowment, you can ensure the long-term sustainability of Bates’ academic mission and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of students and faculty.
Access & Opportunity
Access and Opportunity Endowments make a Bates education possible for students from all backgrounds by providing critical financial aid. These funds ensure a diverse community where every student can thrive, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The opportunities to support Bates at the leadership-giving level are nearly endless. Our team would happily explore additional programs, named spaces, and more with you. Please contact Seth Williams, Director of Leadership Gifts, at swilliams2@bates.edu or 207-755-5988 to start the process. You can also explore our Parent Leadership Giving opportunities.
Success Stories
The Garcelon Field Scoreboard Campaign
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that, thanks to your incredible generosity, we have reached our $250,000 goal for the transformative Garcelon Field Scoreboard! This unprecedented opportunity to illuminate our rich athletic heritage has been fully realized, and we extend our deepest gratitude to every donor who contributed to this monumental achievement.
Russell Street Track & Field Complex Renovation
The Russell Street Track & Field Complex is home to the Soccer, Lacrosse, and Track & Field programs, with several upgrades in the works, including a new turf field, lights, a scoreboard, and more.
Leahey Field Renovation
The campus community is thrilled as renovations at Leahey Field are underway following a successful fundraising effort. Shaw Brothers has commenced construction, focusing on improving the infield turf to enhance playability and consistency for athletes. Plans are also being developed to upgrade the backstop netting and enhance the spectator experience, making this a significant moment for the field.
Donor Spotlight
Ralph Sylvester ’50
Bates receives $1.3M bequest from a World War II Vet and alumnus who fought for the underdog.
