Ben Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” A number of alumni epitomize Franklin’s sentiment through monthly donations to TFAS through a program called The Ben Franklin Club.
Funds from The Ben Franklin Club contribute to TFAS student scholarships. Participants donate monthly by an automatic draft from a checking account or by credit card. Alumni who currently participate give between $10-$50 every month.
Alumnus Eric Fox (ICPES 86) has been donating for the last five years.
“It’s easy to sign up and it’s easy to do,” Fox said. “I want to give to TFAS because I want others to have the same opportunity that I had. The same ability to have a life-changing experience and to go learn about freedom and democracy and take classes that aren’t offered on many college campuses.”
The program is convenient because the tax-deductible donations are processed automatically, and participants can change the amount or stop payment at any time by contacting TFAS directly.
Alumna Lindsey Parke (IBGA 05) wrote that she gives back because she realizes that TFAS is a luxury for most students and she wants to support their experiences and education by contributing.
“For me, monthly giving was the most effortless way to give back,” Parke said in an email. “While I am excited to make my pledge every year, this affords me the opportunity to give back without a second thought.”
The program is becoming more and more popular for alumni because of the convenience.
“Throughout all of my experiences with TFAS, I have found a great deal of opportunity. The opportunities to learn from experts and my peers, opportunities to make new friends and opportunities to give back,” Park said. “Being a part of TFAS has allowed me to connect with people and scholars I never would have had an opportunity to meet, and because of this I give back.”
For more information on the Ben Franklin Club, please visit www.TFAS.org/FranklinClub.