Current-Use Report

The immediate impact of your philanthropy as Georgetown looks to the future

Current-use gifts are a crucial complement to Georgetown’s endowment—and essential to the university’s success. These directly expendable funds support student scholarships, as well as new programs tied to Georgetown’s strategic priorities. The university relies on significant contributions from donors of all levels, especially as it recovers from an unprecedented public health crisis.

The stories in this report demonstrate the powerful impact that current-use giving has on the people, programs, and places that make up the Georgetown experience.

  • What are current-use gifts?

    Current-use gifts are cash contributions to the university that with the donor’s express intent and permission are fully spendable upon receipt. They differ from endowment gifts, which are invested by the university and provide a foundation of support in perpetuity.

  • Why are current-use gifts important, especially now?

    Current-use gifts have always been essential to funding the university’s new initiatives, research, and capital projects. Launching initiatives with the human and financial capital to build momentum and measure success enables Georgetown to develop sustainable programs with lasting campus engagement.

    Current-use gifts became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the university to meet emergent needs and protect the health and wellness of our community, while ensuring the continuity of the teaching and research mission. The university will continue to rely on cash gifts as it looks to the future.

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2021 current-use giving by the numbers

Though the pandemic brought financial disruption and uncertainty, the university’s alumni, parents, and friends stepped up to make 2021 the best fundraising year in the university’s history. This overwhelming generosity advances Georgetown’s highest priority: removing financial obstacles to students’ education so they can learn and grow on the Hilltop.

$358.6M Total dollars in new commitments
$136.3M Current-use cash gifts received
$224.4M Total cash gifts received
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Supporting student well-being

Georgetown’s strength is inextricably tied to our students’ talent and success. Now that students are back on the Hilltop, hear a few reflect back on their experience with remote learning during the pandemic, and how they kept the Hoya spirit going strong.

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Bringing diverse voices to public service

Georgetown’s mission calls upon us to provide the support and resources necessary so all students can thrive on the Hilltop and make an impact in the world. A new current-use fund focuses on increasing access and experiential learning for veterans and military-connected individuals at the McCourt School of Public Policy.

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“When they help others with the same challenges, it creates an unbelievable, incredible flywheel.”

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Serving others through discovery and impact

Georgetown deploys its expertise in service to the local area and the world, empowering underserved communities and training the leaders of tomorrow. The Pivot Program at the McDonough School of Business provides entrepreneurial and business education to the formerly incarcerated.

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Providing spiritual continuity

Georgetown’s Jesuit values remained front and center during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time of upheaval and dislocation, the university was able to offer students around the world virtual worship services, online retreats, and even spiritual counseling via Zoom. Meanwhile, on the Hilltop, work continued on new spiritual spaces and Mission & Ministry programming.

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Thank You

Your generosity makes these and countless other stories possible.

To read about the impact of philanthropy on Georgetown’s strategic priorities, visit giving.georgetown.edu.
For more information, please contact Megan Connolly, senior director of stewardship, at 202‑687‑3461 or stewardship@georgetown.edu.