Chatham University parents have a strong tradition of love and support for the College. With the rising costs of education, parental support is an important element to the success of the Annual Fund than before. A key part of the Chatham Annual Fund, the Chatham Parents Program delivers flexible dollars to support unique programs and opportunities that make the Chatham experience so special. With the support of Chatham parents, as well as Chatham alumni and friends, the Annual Fund provides a reliable source of immediately expendable income to:

• Develop new academic initiatives
• Update laboratory equipment
• Build library resources
• Maintain campus facilities
• Attract and retain respected faculty

Working in conjunction with the Parents Council, volunteers to the Chatham Parents Fund seek to educate other parents about the operating needs of the College. Since tuition pays for less than half of the cost of an undergraduate education, the remainder of Chatham's operating budget comes from income generated from Chatham’s endowment, corporate and foundation grants, and most importantly, the generous annual support of alumnae, friends and parents.

Because Chatham's operating income derived from endowment is less than its peer colleges, gifts to the Annual Fund become even more critical. Gifts to the Parents Fund at Chatham, made as early as possible in the academic year, are immediately applied to help current young women studying at Chatham. They make a direct and positive impact for today’s Chatham students!