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Common Cents
By giving students facts and opportunities, we hope to gradually disseminate knowledge of how Philanthropy shapes their world, how the Avila community participates in philanthropic activities, and how gifts from alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and students are instrumental to Avila’s success.

We want to teach students that even a few “Cents” can benefit the “Common” good for all.

Starting in the Fall of 2010, Avila University will introduce the Class of 2014 to the Common Cents Campaign. All members of the Class of 2014 will receive a purple piggy bank during their Freshman Seminar course. Throughout the year, first-year students will have the opportunity to make a gift by donating change to causes that they believe in – instilling in them importance of giving back.

The Purple Pig

These purple pigs are here to remind you that money is an important part of being a philanthropist. While your gift may be small, together they add up. Consider this:

If each freshman donated $1, you would raise $300 - or the cost of a student’s books for one year.

Corporations and foundations look at giving percentages, not dollars. Avila can earn grants because our giving participation is high (even if each person is only donating $1)


The philanthropic dollars you save in these purple pigs (don’t use it on laundry!) do not have to be donated to Avila - we are just one of thousands of deserving not-profits. We challenge you to find an organization, cause or mission that you believe in and support it through money, service and self.

We’d love to hear about your organizations! You can share your stories for the Common Cents website by emailing Alison.Vavra@Avila.edu.

If Avila is your organization of choice, there will be an opportunity for you to empty your change, make a contribution and start your legacy at Avila University.
So What is Philanthropy?

Philanthropy is the act of donating. Any donation is considered philanthropy, whether it is money, services or self. The amount donated does not matter; the act of giving any amount is considered to be philanthropy, whether it is one dollar placed directly into the hands of someone in need or a million dollars donated to a nonprofit organization.

More importantly, philanthropy is about giving of yourself.  All you have to do is care about something – an organization, a cause or a mission – and give something of yourself to support that which has touched your heart.

So What Does Philanthropy have to do with Avila?
Avila University is a private university. We receive no state funding (like MU or K State).
Avila University is a non-profit organization (501c3 tax-deductible).
Private support from corporations, foundations and individuals made it possible for you to attend Avila.

Avila Facts
98% of you receive some form of financial aid.
Less than 10% of our donations are from corporations and foundations. That means that 90% of our donations come from individual people!
 
For more information or if you’d like a Purple Pig to start your own legacy at Avila, please contact Allison Vavra
at 816-501-3636 or Alison.Vavra@Avila.eduor stop by the Advancement Office in lower Blasco.