Web site aims to draw in donations to Black colleges - tech briefs - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, Oct 24, 2002 by Ronald Roach

WASHINGTON

Wells Fargo, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) and BlackVoices.com have collaborated to make it easier for alumni and friends of historically Black colleges and universities to donate money to the individual schools.

Developed by BlackVoices.com to support the efforts of national HBCU alumni associations, the "Giving Back" program aims to increase donations to HBCUs by enabling alumni and friends to give via the Internet.

"Through the BlackVoices.com Web site and Wells Fargo's highly secure e-commerce technology, donors will be able to give to the schools of their choice from the convenience of their personal computers with just the click of a mouse," says Gretchen Sleeper, director of emerging strategies at Wells Fargo. "No stamps to lick. No envelopes to forget to mail. No checks to write. Just click onto <www.blackvoices.com> for a quick and easy way to support your favorite school," she adds.

HBCUs will receive the money donated to them on behalf of their individual national alumni associations. They will also receive the list of online donors to their schools. HBCU alumni and friends will be provided with receipts for tax purposes.

"For nearly 150 years, HBCUs have been educating students and preparing them for important leadership positions and social responsibilities in an increasingly complex world," says Dr. Frederick Humphries, president and CEO of NAFEO. "The Giving Back program aims to encourage HBCU alumni and friends to support this great cause by donating much-needed funds to this fine network of schools," he adds.