A gift, regardless of amount, is not just a contribution to Blackburn, but it honors our tradition of providing an affordable education with immeasurable student outcomes. Each gift enhances our nationally-recognized Work Program, funds our sustainability efforts and academic opportunity, and, together, helps secure an engaging academic experience for countless current and future students.

Your gifts of time and treasure make Blackburn’s transformational education possible for the next generation of leaders, problem solvers, and creative thinkers. Your generosity provides the resources we need to take advantage of new opportunities and continue to position Blackburn College as a truly unique leader in higher education. Help us continue to build momentum at Blackburn and turn a student’s next four years into a four-year head start.

Philanthropic Highlights for 2021

$4.5M

Total Cash Received

$1M

Over $1M in Scholarship Gifts

Make a Gift Online

It’s secure, easy, and you’re going to feel great when you make your one-time gift online right now. This is the fastest way to get vital financial resources to the students, faculty, and programs that need them.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a meaningful way for alumni to make a lasting impact. Whether it's advising students, boosting arts and sports, or helping the campus community, there are many opportunities for you to get involved.

Get Involved
Financial Assistance for Blackburn Students in need

Benevolent Beaver Fund

The Benevolent Beaver program exists because there is always a need—the need for assistance, yes, but also the need for care and compassion; this is what gifts to the Benevolent Beaver Fund provide. It’s hard to concentrate on being a student when unexpected expenses occur, but this program helps to bridge that gap.

Benevolent Beaver Fund dollars do more than provide financial resources; these gifts give Blackburn students a peace of mind that is, in fact, priceless. The fund lets our students know that alumni have been in their shoes and believe in them enough to want to help. This particular support at this particular time in their lives shows them that there are indeed heroes in this world.

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Blackburn College lit a fire in me that burns brightly still today.
Sep 25, 2023
Wide view of the Dawes-Woodward Athletic Center.
Blackburn Receives $4.8 Million Grant from the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Marketing & Public Relations / Press Releases
Sep 18, 2023
Wide shot of the seats at the Bothwell Auditorium.
Blackburn Music & Theatre Department Presents “Almost, Maine” Office of Marketing & Public Relations / Press Releases
Sep 13, 2023
Exterior of National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN
Unlocking the Past: Black Student Union’s Memorable Trip into Civil Rights Legacy Office of Marketing & Public Relations / Features
Sep 11, 2023
Wide shot of the firepit at Jaenke's patio. The area around the firepit is decorated with pillows and pumpkins.
Community Invited to Homecoming Weekend Festivities, September 29 Through October 1 Office of Marketing & Public Relations / News
May 31, 2023
HELP
Blackburn College Celebrates Class of 2023 during Commencement Weekend Office of Marketing & Public Relations / Press Releases
May 03, 2023
Volunteers posing for a group picture during Beautification Day.
Beautification Day Reflects Blackburn’s Commitment to Hands-on Learning, Community Engagement, and Sustainability Office of Marketing & Public Relations / Features
May 02, 2023
HELP
Ceremonial Groundbreaking Kicks Off Construction of New $6+ Million Indoor Athletic Facility Office of Marketing & Public Relations / Press Releases
Apr 18, 2023
Gift of $500,000 to Establish Elaine S. Link Endowed Professorship in Biology Office of Marketing & Public Relations / News
Mar 29, 2023
Blackburn Choir students performing at the Bothwell Auditorium as golden confetti sprinkles from above the stage.
Blackburn Choir to Perform at Carnegie Hall in June Office of Marketing & Public Relations / Press Releases
Jan 23, 2023
Blackburn student Miriam Wali-Uddin poses with her MLK Student Leadership Certificate between Dr. Leon Chestang (Blackburn alumnus and MLK Convocation Keynote Speaker) and Dr. Margaret Lawler (Executive Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion)
Miriam Wali-Uddin Receives MLK Student Leadership Award at Blackburn Office of Marketing & Public Relations / News