SAS Annual Fund FAQ

What is the SAS Annual Fund?

The SAS Annual Fund supports the strategic priorities established by the SAS/ISE Board of Trustees and is comprised of the Lighthouse Fund, Harbor Fund, Voyagers Fund, and the Alumni Fund. A gift to the SAS Annual Fund contributes significantly to the overall operating budget for Semester at Sea. Participation in the SAS Annual Fund is viewed as a measure of alumni satisfaction, which influences the college's ability to secure grants from corporations and foundations.

Which gifts count toward the SAS Annual Fund?

The SAS Annual Fund consists of unrestricted gifts to Semester at Sea that support the yearly operating budget. A gift made to support a restricted project, such as a particular scholarship fund or a capital project, does not qualify as an unrestricted gift because it is used for a specific purpose.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Additional question? Please contact Jason Scott, Director of Annual Giving, at [This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots; you need JavaScript enabled to view it] .

Why is it important to give to the SAS Annual Fund even if I have made restricted gifts to Semester at Sea?

Semester at Sea depends on the SAS Annual Fund to balance the yearly operating costs. Tuition does not cover the entire cost of a Semester at Sea education. Gifts to the SAS Annual Fund help make up the difference. Therefore, the SAS Annual Fund is at the heart of all giving to SAS.

Why should I give?

Gifts of ANY and ALL sizes from alumni, parents and friends are critical to Semester at Sea's current and future success as the premier study abroad experience in the world. Part of SAS's commitment to excellence is ensuring that each year the program gets better and better. Giving to Semester at Sea through the SAS Annual Fund helps make that goal possible.