Below you will find answers to many common questions about RPi Challenge.
What is the Rπ Challenge?
The Rπ Challenge is a fundraising event beginning on March 14, 2021 at 12 a.m. EST and ending on March 27, 2021 at 3 p.m. EDT that encourages Rensselaer alumni and alumnae around the country and world to participate in a challenge in support of current students.
If I live outside of the radius of an alumni chapter, or if I am not an alumna or alumnus, can I still participate in the Rπ Challenge?
The Rπ Challenge is designed to increase engagement among Rensselaer’s alumni chapters. If you live outside of the radius of an alumni chapter, or are not a member of the alumni/ae community, you can still make a difference for Rensselaer students by being counted as a donor to Rensselaer this academic year. Make your gift today through Rensselaer’s online giving site.
Why does Rensselaer care about my participation?
Gifts of every size help current students by supporting the Rensselaer experience. Your participation, combined with the entire Rensselaer community, makes a big impact!
Alumni giving in particular is a metric used by many external groups and publications, including U.S. News and World Report, in compiling college rankings. It is a marker of alumni satisfaction in their alma mater. The higher the rankings, the more valuable the degree—so everyone benefits when everyone participates!
What if I don't see the fund I would like to support listed?
If you are not able to find the fund you would like to support, please select the Area of Support of your choice, then select "Other" in the Fund Designation drop down menu, and type in the fund name you wish to support. We will ensure your gift is designated appropriately.
Where do my gifts go?
Donors are encouraged to make a gift of any amount to key funds where support is needed, including the Annual Fund, Student Relief Funds, Research Fund, or other options.
Is my payment secure?
Absolutely. The information collected during the event is only used by Rensselaer, and it will not be sold or shared with any third-party organizations. Your credit card information will not be stored.
Can I send a gift by mail or phone?
Because the Rπ Challenge is a two-week giving campaign, we strongly encourage you to make your gift online. This is the only way to assure your gift will qualify for matches and challenges taking place throughout the event. If you would like to make a gift by phone, please call (518) 276-6055 March 14-March 27, 2021 during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, but we cannot guarantee these gifts will count toward giving matches and challenges.
Is there a minimum donation?
In order to process the donation, we are unable to accept payments below $1.00.
Can I make my Rπ Challenge gift early?
Thank you for your enthusiasm! We will begin counting Rπ Challenge gifts at 12 a.m. EST on March 14. We hope you can return then to make your gift, but if your schedule doesn't allow, please visit giving.rpi.edu/now at any time to show your support!
What if I have already made a gift to Rensselaer this year?
Thank you for being a part of the Rensselaer donor family! We appreciate your commitment and encourage you to make another gift during this challenge period to help us meet our donor goal. We also need you to help promote Rπ Challenge to others. We hope you will sign up to be an ambassador to help spread the word!
How can I help promote the Rπ Challenge?
We encourage you to share the images and messages that you will find on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Send an email to classmates, post on your Facebook page, tweet, blog, visit your coworkers, and encourage your friends. By helping to spread the word, you are making a difference for Rensselaer students!
I would like a Rensselaer-branded face mask. How do I qualify to receive one?
Any alumnus or alumna who makes a gift of $31.41 or more via this website during the Rπ Challenge (March 14-27) will receive a limited-edition Rensselaer face mask. Limit one mask per donor, for domestic mail only.
What if I don't see the fund I would like to support listed?
If you are not able to find the fund you would like to support, please select the Area of Support of your choice, then select "Other" in the Fund Designation drop down menu, and type in the fund name you wish to support. We will ensure your gift is designated appropriately.
Can I give an amount other than $3.14, $31.41, $314, $1,000, $3,141?
Yes! Those are just suggested amounts. Please type in any amount over $1 in the white box underneath "Amount."
When will my credit card be charged?
Your credit card will be charged immediately.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes, contributions to Rensselaer support the university and are eligible for income tax charitable deduction as allowed by law. You will receive an email confirmation that may serve as your receipt for tax purposes.
Will I receive a receipt for my contribution?
Yes, Rensselaer will send you a gift receipt via email for tax purposes.
Who should I contact with questions about my contribution?
Please call (518) 276-8546 or email our Gifts Processing Office during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. EDT.
Still have questions?
Contact us at givenow@rpi.edu