Inaugural CEED Alumni Fundraising Campaign

No deposit….No return, a popular refrain that you know all too well if you were a part of the UCLA Minority Engineering Program (MEP), the UCLA Center for Underrepresented Students (CUES) or the UCLA Center for Excellence in Engineering and  Diversity (CEED). Three names but one motive:  to recruit, retain and graduate underrepresented minority engineering and computer science students. This Inaugural Alumni Fundraising Campaign has been created to organize the gift giving efforts for CEED at a time when the program really needs your support. The objective for this   initial effort is to raise $250,000 from those who know first-hand the value of CEED’s academic, personal and professional development programs.

Why Give, Why Now?

During these economic times, there have been unprecedented state budget cuts in  the money provided for secondary and post secondary education on both the state and federal level. Additionally, the cost of post secondary education continues to rise. In fact, tuition at the University of California, which is currently $12,845, is nearly three times   the amount it was ten years ago. Donations to CEED provide immediate funds to make up for these budget shortfalls and allow us to allocate these funds toward the program’s priorities. These gifts give CEED the flexibility to carry out and enhance our student programs on the precollege and undergraduate level; particularly, they allow CEED to support the vital staff behind CEED’s program operation. Without support, CEED looks at the possibility of reducing an already minimal staff. At a time when state   support provides just a small percentage of the operating budget, annual gifts -- both large and small -- are essential to maintaining the program's quality and effectiveness.

Matching Gifts

Did you know that many companies have matching corporate contributions for charitable donations?  For example, if you donate $100 to CEED and work for a company that matches donations, your company will also donate $100 to CEED, and you will be credited with a $200 (tax deductible) donation to CEED because the company match is on your behalf.

This is an excellent way to support CEED and double your individual impact by leveraging available company resources.  Not sure if your company provides donor matching funds or how to designate them for CEED? Check with your HR department for details.

Giving Levels

To make a donation complete the attached giving form and mail with a check to the following address: