Since 1927, gifts to The Penn Fund—from undergraduate alumni and parents like you—have made a profound and immediate impact on all aspects of student life and learning at the University by providing grant-based financial aid packages to undergraduates, supporting enhancements to academic programs and campus technology, and fostering community through student clubs and organizations. This longstanding tradition of loyal generosity allows donors to support the University’s greatest needs and highest priorities through the general fund, long-term scholarship support, and special reunion class projects.
You are invited to our annual Penn It Forward Student Philanthropy Week!
Penn It Forward celebrates the generosity of undergraduate alumni donors and showcases the direct impact of their gifts on the overall student experience. Check out our events below!
Penn It Forward Adventure: All week long—All over campus
Join us for an adventure around campus! There will be signs all over campus to showcase the spaces reunion projects supported by specific undergraduate alumni classes have enhanced over the years—to make our campus a better and brighter place for current students like you. Take a picture with each sign, send your pictures to tpfyp@lists.upenn.edu, and be entered to win some exclusive swag. There will also be an additional fun opportunity for those who share one or more of your pictures on Instagram and tag @thepennfund.
Penn It Forward Class Competition: All week long—All over campus; kicking off on Wednesday, October 23 from 3:00 PM–5:00 PM on Locust Walk
In partnership with Class Board and kicking off on Wednesday, October 23 at 3:00 PM, we will host a friendly competition across the student body. Penn Fund team members and student volunteers will be at various locations throughout the week where you can cast your vote for which philanthropic priority inspires you the most. The fund designation with the most votes in each class will receive a matching gift from a generous young alum!
Penn It Forward Showcase: Monday, October 28 from 2:00 PM–4:00 PM—Sweeten Alumni House
Bring a friend and check out the amazing Sweeten Alumni House, grab some snacks to get through the week’s assignments and exams, learn about upcoming opportunities to network with alumni, and play some fun games!
Class of 2025—you can also make your senior class gift in honor of a younger student you know doing awesome things at the University, and beyond. This is the perfect way to show your support for those following in your footsteps!
Philanthropy in Action Day with the Netter Center: Thursday, October 24 from 4:00 PM–5:30 PM—Henry C. Lea School
Philanthropy is about giving your treasure and your time! Throughout Penn It Forward, we will celebrate all outstanding student volunteers. Join us on Thursday, October 24th for a Safe Trick-or-Treat at the Henry C. Lea School! This is a can’t miss volunteer event!
To volunteer, register HERE! In the Club/Organization field, write “Penn It Forward.”
Can’t make the event on Thursday the 24th? There will also be a Safe Trick-or-Treat at the Comegys Elementary School on Wednesday, October 30th from 4:00 PM–5:30 PM, and you can register here. There’s also a Fall Field Day at the Henry C. Lea School on Thursday, October 24 from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, and you can register here.
We’re looking forward to seeing all of the amazing volunteers out in our community throughout this week!
Thank Penn Alumni Day: Tuesday, October 29 from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM—Locust Walk
There are many things to be thankful for at the University, and undergraduate alumni are among them. Join us on Locust Walk to thank undergraduate alumni donors who support current and future students! Write a ‘thank you’ note, and receive your Penn It Forward t-shirt, other branded swag, and delicious snacks.
Seniors for The Penn Fund Fall Fest: Wednesday, October 30 from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM—Hall of Flags in Houston Hall
A revitalized annual tradition hosted by Seniors for The Penn Fund, in partnership with Class Board 2025, this senior-exclusive event provides another great opportunity to celebrate your final year with your whole class, get a sneak peek of the exciting events to come still this year, and learn more about how to make a lasting impact on our Quaker community. Join us with all your friends and grab some food and drinks!
Register to attend HERE!
If you want to help plan events like these and learn more about philanthropy, consider joining the Philanthropy Ambassadors! Reach out to Claire Bergsten at bergsten@upenn.edu for more information.
