Giving $$ to a Service Academy

Just_A_Mom

Just_A_Mom

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I decided to start this after seeing Lilly's post on the AFA forum.

For new parents - I can almost guarantee that sometime between now and next fall you will be solicited. Hopefully parents from each of the academies can come forward and talk about different funds and how they benefit the Corps/Brigade/Wing/Regiment.

Many parent's do not realize that the wonderful "scholarship" their child has received includes their education only. Uncle Sam does not pay for any "extras". Extra's include athletics, clubs and club sports to name a few.

West Point - D-1 athletics are not supported by the government. They are supported through the "A-Club". You may be asked and/or provided opportunites to donate to the "A-Club". There are enticements - seating at Army/Navy is dependent on your football season ticket holder status and a number of other criteria.

West Point Parent's Fund - you will be given an opportunity to give. We got the call last fall after classes began.
The West Point Parent's fund is a fund that supports all the clubs and club sports. The Directorate of Cadet Activities supports clubs and club sports through donations, C-store purchases, "All for the Corps" concessions etc. None comes from tax dollars and this enables all cadets to take part in programs.
The WP Parent's fund also supports Academy scholars. When your cadet is given the opportunity to travel overseas - this fund contributes to this experience. Many Cadets have had the opportunity to travel abroad through AIAD (Academic Individual Advanced Development) - these opportunites are not supported by tax dollars.

WP-Org - West-Point.org sponsors several forums - prospective, plebe parents, cadet parents and graduating parents. They also sponsor parent club web pages and a forum for Navy parents.

Confusion occassionall results when unsuspecting parents are suddenly approached by several organizations with giving opportunities.
 
USNA Midshipman Store

At USNA, there will be similar opportunities to support. The USNA Midshipman Store proceeds support the Brigade MWR fund, helping to bring in big-name concerts and support other non-govt-funded activities. So, all those shopping trips for USNA logo gear, drag the grandparents and other family along and warm up the credit card, knowing you are supporting midshipmen.
 
During Fall of Plebe year you will be solicited by the USNA Foundation to give to the Parents fund. This supports the Brigade of Midshipmen, EC's speakers, etc. They will suggest a certain # (at least 3 years ago they did) You do not have to give that amount.
 
They will suggest a certain # (at least 3 years ago they did) You do not have to give that amount.
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Interesting. They don't make those "suggestions" to grads. We're encouraged to give but I've never been approached re a particular amount.

In any event, there is no requirement to give. USNA recognizes that not all parents are financially able to do so. At least when I was at USNA, the subject of what any parent gave or didn't give never, ever, ever came up.

Supporting USNA (or any SA) as a parent is a great thing to do if you're able. The money does support a number of activities that really improve the lives of mids but that aren't paid for with tax dollars. But, don't in any way feel "pressured" to give for fear that not doing so will "harm" your child. Won't happen.
 
Profmom - I had forgotten about that. When I got the call they suggested the amount. I can't remember what it was though.
Certainly if the suggested amount is not within your budget and you wish to give they will be happy for you to give what you can afford.

As USNA1985 says - if you can't give, don't feel guilty. I never have discussed this with my own cadet and she has never discussed it with me.

I should also add that the Alumni and Classes seem to give an extraordinary amount back to their alma maters. For example, the Class of 1968 presented a $2.5 million gift to West Point for the construction of the new, beautiful library, Jefferson Hall.
I am sure the alums at the other SA's contribute as generously.
 
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