Class Agents are alumnae who wish to further their support of
The Sage Colleges by encouraging peer engagement in vital
fundraising efforts. Class Agents champion the cause of
The Sage Fund for Excellence through direct support and
class communications.
The Sage Colleges
65 1st Street
Troy, NY 12180
Russell Sage College
Class Agent Handbook
The Office of Annual Giving
Katie Danico, SGS ’14
Senior Director of Annual Giving
Office: 518-244-4552
Email: [email protected]
Katie Falso
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Office: (518) 244-4527
Email: [email protected]
Lindsay Fitzpatrick
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Office: (518) 244-2371
Email: [email protected]
Tiffany Wright
Administrative Assistant
Office: (518) 244-4581
Email: [email protected]
Office of Annual Giving
Office: (518) 244-4581
Email: [email protected]
Physical Address:
92 1st Street, 1st Floor
Troy, NY 12180
Mailing Address:
The Sage Colleges
65 1st Street
Troy, NY 12180
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Support for Class Agents
Class Agents play a vital role in the fundraising efforts for Russell Sage
and The Sage Colleges. The Office of Annual Giving is committed to
supporting you in this role by providing administrative and service
support as well as Class Agent coaching, training, networking
opportunities, institutional updates and whatever else you may need!
Index
What is The Sage Fund For Excellence?.……...……p 2
Responsibilities of a Class Agent…………………....... p 3
Class Agent Task List Explained...………….………... p 4
Class Agents can expect:
Ways to Make a Gift………………………………….... p 6

The Office of Annual Giving to be responsive to inquiries and
needs in a timely fashion.
Support for Class Agents………………………………. p 8

Donor Reports will be mailed/ emailed out each month.
The Office of Annual Giving……………………………p 9

The Office of Annual Giving will provide any stationery and
stamps needed to communicate by writing with classmates.

The Office of Annual Giving will work with you to craft appeal
letters and mail them out for you.

The Office of Annual Giving and Russell Sage will never use your
Auto-Signature without your expressed consent.

Class Giving totals will be updated at www.sage.edu/
sagefund on a weekly basis.

Exclusive Class Agent resources and news provided through
Class Agent Newsletters, online social media avenues:
Facebook: The Sage Fund for Excellence page
Twitter: @SageGiving

Instagram: @thesagefundforexcellence
Updated June 2016
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What is The Sage Fund for Excellence?
__________________________________________________________
The Sage Fund for Excellence, Sage’s Annual Fund, is an annual
campaign directed by The Annual Giving Office to raise unrestricted
support for The Sage Colleges. Unrestricted gifts support the most
pressing financial needs which includes scholarships and financial aid,
faculty recruitment, technology upgrades, and campus enhancements.
Tuition alone does not cover the cost of a Russell Sage education.
The College is able to use unrestricted funds to fill the gap, covering the
difference between the actual cost of running Russell Sage College and
the revenue provided by tuition, room, and board fees.
It is important to note that gifts of ANY amount can be donated to
The Sage Fund. Every gift—in any amount—is important and
increases the alumnae participation percentage. A strong giving
participation rate from alumnae has an important impact on Sage’s
ranking in U.S. News & World Report and the College’s eligibility to
receive grant and foundation support. Therefore, an increase in alumnae
participation can translate into thousands of dollars for the college.
Monthly Giving/ Installments
Many alumnae find it easier to schedule monthly gift
installments. One benefit of recurring gifts is the ability to
make a larger annual gift with smaller payments over time.
Recurring gifts can be set up online by visiting
sage.edu/sagefund and gifts will be automatically charged to a
debit or credit card.
__________________________________________________________
Matching Gift Information
A donor can increase the size of their gift by having their (or
their spouse’s) employer match their charitable donation.
Some companies even double or triple the amount given!
Different companies have their own giving policies therefore
donors should be sure to contact their employer’s personnel
office to obtain the necessary forms. Please do not hesitate to
call The Sage Office of Annual Giving for assistance at (518)
244-4581, or visit sage.edu/matching.
__________________________________________________________
Gifts of Securities
The Sage Fund for Excellence Supports:
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Sage accepts gifts of securities, which are a wonderful way to
make an increased gift, avoid capital gains, and receive a tax
benefit. If you, or another donor, have questions about gifts of
securities please call The Office of Annual Giving at (518)
244-4581.
__________________________________________________________
Financial Aid for over 90% of the Student Body
Laboratory Equipment
Library Resources and Periodicals
Residence Hall Student Programs
Campus Computer Equipment
Athletic Equipment
Facility Maintenance
Cultural Opportunities
Curriculum Development
Building Project Support
Planned Giving/ Estate Planning
Health & Wellness Resources
...and MORE!
Sage can help individuals include a planned gift in their overall
estate and financial plans. Have the donor contact the Planned
Giving office directly at (518) 244-2323.
__________________________________________________________
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Ways to Make a Gift to Sage
Here is a quick refresher on the many ways individuals can make their
gift to The Sage Fund for Excellence. Call The Office of Annual
Giving at (518) 244-4581 at any time if you have questions.
Responsibilities of a Class Agent
As an integral member of The Office of Annual Giving fundraising
team, Class Agents enjoy contacting their peers in a way that is fun,
interesting, innovative, rewarding and very meaningful to the College.
__________________________________________________________
Online
To make a gift online please visit: sage.edu/sagefund
__________________________________________________________
Check
Checks should be made out to “Russell Sage College” or “The
Sage Colleges” and may be sent to:
Office of Annual Giving
The Sage Colleges
65 1st Street
Troy, NY 12180
__________________________________________________________
Credit Card
MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express may be
used to make a gift to Russell Sage. Donors may make a
one-time gift or several gifts over a period of time. (See Monthly
Giving/ Installments).
If donors are interested in putting their Sage Fund gift on a
credit card, they can fill out the necessary information in the
space provided on a pledge card, process their gift online
at sage.edu/sagefund, or make their contribution over
the phone by calling (518) 244-4581.
__________________________________________________________
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Class Agent Task List*
1. Receive Welcome Package & Class Agent supplies

2. Make your 2016-2017 gift or pledge

3. Personalize Fall/ Spring Class Agent Appeals

4. Follow up with assigned peers

5. Just ask!

6. Say “Thank You!”

7. Provide feedback to the college

8. Read Class Agent Newsletters

9. Participate in events

10. Have fun!

*More details on Class Agent Tasks can be found on the following pages.
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Task List Details:
1. Receive Welcome Package & Class Agent supplies
6. Say “Thank you!”
Class Agent Welcome Packages will now be sent to kick-off the
campaign year. Resources included are a starter set of stationery and
stamps, annual communication calendar, class lists, and more. Class
Agents can “reorder” supplies (stationery, stamps, etc.) at any time by
contacting:
Office of Annual Giving
(518) 244-4581 or [email protected]
Donor reports will be emailed/ mailed to Class Agents every month. Please
be sure to read this report when received and if any of your assigned
classmates are listed as donors please follow up with a personal
thank-you note, email or call. Stationery is provided by The Office of
Annual Giving, along with stamps.
2. Make your 2016-2017 gift or pledge
Class Agents are encouraged to get their gift or pledge (of any amount!)
to The Sage Fund for Excellence early on in the year. Leading by example
and donating early sets the precedent for your classmates and creates
leverage when encouraging others to do so. Pledge Card Included.
3. Personalize Class Agent appeals
As Class Agents, you know better than anyone else what will resonate
with your peers. Please take the time to personalize the Class Agent
draft letters when they are sent to you. This appeal should be as unique
as you are, after all, it will be signed by you. Help us make it as authentic
as possible by editing the drafts and returning them to the college in a
timely fashion.
4. Follow up with assigned peers
Do follow up with your assigned classmates to ensure receipt of Class
Agent letters or communications from the College. Maintaining contact
allows a relationship to develop providing ample opportunities to share
information about the College as well as ensuring delivery of appeals.
5. Just Ask!
When communicating with classmates, encourage them to join you in
supporting Russell Sage. Statistics have shown that individuals are
more likely to participate in philanthropic giving if asked by a peer.
Remind classmates what their gift supports and encourage them to help
reach this year’s class goal by giving to tomorrow’s Women of Influence.
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7. Provide constructive feedback
As a liaison for your class, The Office of Annual Giving relies on your
valuable input to make our programs better. Let us know your
thoughts and what (if any) feedback you receive from your classmates.
8. Read Class Agent Newsletters
Class Agent Newsletters are sent periodically from The Office of Annual
Giving. These newsletters are meant to be a resource to the Class Agents
and provide program information as well as current news about Russell
Sage College. Please read these newsletters and forward
any relevant information to your classmates.
9. Participate in events
Over the course of the fiscal year there may be special Alumnae or Class
Agent events taking place in your area or on campus. If possible, try to
attend as they are a great way to connect with college staff, fellow Class
Agents and other Sage alumnae. Contact your staff liaison in The Office
of Annual Giving if you are interested in organizing or hosting such an
event.
10. Have Fun!
Volunteering your time shouldn’t feel like a chore! Have fun in the
process and enjoy connecting with your classmates. Make your
correspondences unique to you and take the opportunity to learn more
about your classmates and friends. Share the news and message of what
an exciting place your alma mater is today and support one another in the
vital work you do as a Russell Sage Class Agent.
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