Empowering Student Success Through the Generosity of Families
Families are essential to the Gonzaga experience. Whether connected to a current student, a future Zag or a proud graduate, families strengthen the University community through engagement, advocacy and generosity. The Gonzaga Parents Fund program invites families to deepen this connection by supporting opportunities that empower students to thrive in the classroom, on campus and beyond.
Ways to Support Gonzaga Students
- Support Opportunities Within Your Student’s School or College
Families may choose to direct their support to the school or college that reflects their student’s academic interests. Gifts to the Dean’s Excellence Fund strengthen priority programs, expand experiential learning and enhance academic excellence within the following college and schools:- School of Business Administration
- School of Engineering and Applied Science
- School of Health Sciences
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Nursing and Human Physiology
- Connect With Parent and Family Giving
Families interested in learning more, sharing ideas or exploring opportunities for deeper involvement are encouraged to connect with the Parent and Family Giving team. Gonzaga values purposeful partnerships that enhance the student experience and contribute to the greater good.
What does the Gonzaga Parents Fund do?
The Gonzaga Parents Fund is an unrestricted fund that supports the Gonzaga experience beyond what tuition can cover. Your donations help to minimize what fees are passed on to students so that any Zag wanting to participate in clubs, activities, retreats and service has the opportunity to. The Gonzaga Parents Fund helps keep experiences like these accessible to everyone:
- "Spike Nights," which offer social activities in the Hemmingson Center that encourage safe, responsible choices
- Rentals, services, and trips through Gonzaga Outdoors so that fees passed on to students can be minimized
- Retreats through the Office of Mission and Ministry
- Service opportunities through the Center for Community Engagement
- Whole-person wellness and support from the Center for Cura Personalis
- Gaps in financial aid for your Zag's classmates when family situations may change
- Pandemic response through personal protective equipment, critical technology updates like cameras and equipment to accommodate delivery of Gonzaga's uniquely Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic experience anywhere in the world.
Every donation to support students through the Gonzaga Parents Fund makes a difference. For some of your Zag's classmates, your $40 gift means they can join their friends to forge lifelong memories and networks on a Gonzaga Outdoors kayaking trip or to grow in their faith at a retreat. For other students alongside your Zag, a $500 donation may fill the financial aid gap that can keep them on track to finish their degree with their class. No matter how much you contribute, every Gonzaga Parents Fund gift matters to all students.
Click here to make a Gonzaga Parents Fund gift online or contact Shanna Dunne at dunnes@gonzaga.edu to roll over funds from your IRA, transfer stock, or use your Donor Advised Fund
Zag Family Fellows
A tradition of leadership and Impact.
Zag Family Fellows are families who demonstrate exceptional commitment to Gonzaga students through annual philanthropic leadership. Fellows support programs and priorities that matter most to their students while promoting a culture of care rooted in Gonzaga’s Jesuit, Catholic and humanistic mission.
Benefits of joining Zag Family Fellows include:
- Recognition as Gonzaga leadership benefactors
- Priority seating at Commencement and senior family events
- Invitations to regional gatherings and on-campus celebrations, including Fall Family Weekend
- Opportunities to connect with families who share a commitment to student success
- Direct access to Development and Alumni Relations staff for guidance on philanthropic engagement
Leadership Giving
Families become Zag Family Fellows through an annual leadership gift of $1,500 or more to the Gonzaga Parents Fund or another University priority that reflects their values. Many families begin by supporting the Parents Fund during their student’s first year and deepen their annual giving as their student explores new academic or co-curricular experiences.
Supporting Student Life at Gonzaga
Gonzaga’s Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to the holistic development of students in mind, body and spirit. Families who support student-focused programs help ensure that every student has access to the resources they need to learn, lead and flourish.
Areas that support student well-being and growth:
- Campus Ministry and spiritual formation
- Health and wellness services
- Career and professional development
- Student involvement and leadership opportunities
- Counseling and academic support resources
- Scholarship assistance that reduces financial barriers
More information about student services and resources is available on the Parent and Family website.
Partner With Gonzaga to Shape the Student Experience
Family engagement enriches the Gonzaga community. Continued involvement through service, advocacy and philanthropy strengthens student life and ensures that Gonzaga remains a place where every student can grow in purpose, leadership and compassion.