The 3L Class Gift Program provides a way for members of the graduating class to show their appreciation for the legal education they have received, the experiences they have had, and the memories they have created during their time at Vanderbilt Law School. By participating in the 3L Class Gift Program, graduating students continue the long tradition of alumni support at VLS and help to ensure that the students who follow in their footsteps are met with the same excellent educational experience and collegial environment that they had.
As we prepare for the Class Gift program for current 3Ls, members of the Class of 2021 are welcome and encouraged to go ahead and make their gift to the law school. A contribution of any amount will help the class reach the participation goal. You can set up a monthly recurring gift or make a one-time gift online.
Yes! While tuition covers a majority of what it takes to run the law school, it does not cover it all. Donations from alumni and friends make up the difference. Without these gifts, the law school would not be able to fund student organizations, provide career services, keep class sizes down, bring distinguished guest lecturers to campus, employ renowned faculty members, maintain the extensive library or continually upgrade technology. In particular, scholarships and awards enable the school to recruit the most talented of students and to minimize the loan burden.
By making your first gift to the law school, you become introduced to the importance of philanthropy and contribute to the legacy of giving established by the thousands of VLS alumni who have come before you. A high alumni giving participation rate shows law firms, foundations, and prospective students that alumni truly believe in Vanderbilt Law School, and that their donations are well placed. Last fiscal year, over 28% of all alumni gave back to the law school, which compares favorably with other top 20 law schools. As an upcoming member of the alumni community, you have the opportunity to continue the strong tradition of support the law school has celebrated for decades.
Absolutely. Gifts of any amount are greatly appreciated and truly make a difference. What matters most to us, though, is your participation. Alumni participation is very compelling, but 3L giving is even more so. Your support improves the school’s ability to leverage major gifts from other alumni, individuals and firms who pay attention to what occurs at Vanderbilt Law School.
Yes. All donations to the Law School are deductible from federal income tax if the donor itemizes deductions when filing his or her tax return. Donors may also be eligible to claim state income tax credit.
Gifts to any area of the law school are counted towards our participation goal and total dollars raised. Our goal is to encourage participation and cultivate the spirit of philanthropy so that the law school is strengthened for years to come. This starts with giving to an area of VLS that is most meaningful to you – whether that’s to one of the areas of focus, a specific student organization, or another area.
Have a question or concern that is not answered above? Email Sydney Talley, associate director of annual giving.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
the Class of 2020 was not able
to have their Class Gift
campaign as planned. We
would love for members of the
class to give back to VLS as
they are able, and we look
forward to planning opportunities
for the Class of 2021 to learn
about the importance of giving
back to Vanderbilt Law.