We encourage you to donate directly to the current Veritones in support of their adventures and projects in any given year! That said, Friends of Veritones hopes to ensure the long-term health of the group.  Establishing and managing an endowment is different from fundraising for operating costs or specific capital needs, and our board comprises professionals with experience doing just that. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we can also offer tax benefits for your support.

An endowment acts as a “savings account” for Friends of Veritones, growing annually through professional investment. Each year, some of the accumulated growth (usually 4-5% of the total) may be withdrawn and used to support the regular operating expenses of the current Veritones. Larger amounts could be withdrawn for exceptional needs or projects, but always with the goal of protecting the original investment over time.

Each of us has a unique Veritones story, but we share throughlines of friendship, music, and belonging. We want to safeguard those experiences for current and future Veritones, and give alumni an opportunity to extend them—at reunions and beyond. Because Harvard doesn’t provide direct financial support for student-led groups like the Veritones, we feel that establishing consistent income from an independent endowed fund will be the most effective way to fulfill our mission: “to build a lasting home for alumni to connect with each other, and to help keep traditions alive for current and future members of the group.”

Friends of Veritones will engage a recognized, professional investment manager to oversee the investments. Our goal is to grow the original investment while providing regular withdrawals from the fund to support the current group’s efforts.

Friends of Veritones will distribute funds according to a board-approved process designed to encourage responsible, mission-centered allocation. The current Veritones’ leadership will be invited to share specific needs or requests as part of a collaborative disbursement process.

Our initial goal is to raise $150,000. The current group’s annual operating budget (not counting special initiatives) ranges between $6,000 – $8,000/year. A four to five percent draw on $150,000 would yield approximately $6,000 – $7,500/year, helping to offset the majority of these expenses and allowing the group to focus on raising money for special initiatives.

Our 40th Anniversary is a great time in the life-cycle of the group—and in our alumni base—to launch this effort! Many of us remember the challenges of operating without this base of support. Now Veritones alumni are in a position to make a difference. As we reconnect with each other and with the current Veritones, we have a unique opportunity to work together and make a real difference to the group’s future.

Absolutely, though we would prefer to keep donations unrestricted. The needs, expenses, and priorities of the group have changed over time (e.g., what it costs to rent sound support for a Jam, the emergence of video production as a recognized way to share their music, etc.), and we would not want specific restrictions to get in the way of the being able to meet the evolving needs of the group.

There are several methods available to send support, including by check, wire, and Stripe. Please reach out friends.of.veritones@gmail.com if you would like more information about where to send checks or wires. Please note that gifts made by check or wire will charge lower transaction fees than gifts made via Stripe.

Yes! Friends of Veritones is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity recognized by the IRS.

Absolutely. If making a donation via our QR Code or donation link, simply select the option that notes “I prefer my gifts to be anonymous.” Alternatively, you can always notify us via email if you prefer not to be publicly recognized for your support.