What does the Parents Fund actually do?

From enhancing academic programs to facilitating hands-on research, those who give to the Lewis & Clark Parents Fund play a vital role in supporting every student’s experience. 

August 20, 2025
Ever wonder how your gift to the Parents Fund has an impact on the Lewis & Clark community?
Ever wonder how your gift to the Parents Fund has an impact on the Lewis & Clark community?
Credit: Nina Johnson

As a Lewis & Clark parent, you’ve likely heard about the Parents Fund, but you might be wondering what it actually does and how your contribution makes a difference. The Lewis & Clark Parents Fund is an essential resource that provides flexible, immediate-use support for the college’s most pressing needs and promising opportunities.

Simply put, the Parents Fund fuels the core of the student experience.

At its heart, the Parents Fund supports the innovative academic and co-curricular programs that define a Lewis & Clark education. Your gift helps to:

  • Elevate Hands-On Learning: Your contributions help fund new initiatives like the Career Accelerator, which connects students with the broader Portland community and provides hands-on, real-world experience. These programs are essential, helping students transform their academic knowledge into professional skills and networking opportunities.
  • Enrich Campus Life: From visiting guest speakers to dynamic cultural events, the Parents Fund helps create a vibrant and enriching campus environment. These opportunities allow students to explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and build lifelong friendships beyond the classroom.
  • Support Academic Excellence: Your generosity helps Lewis & Clark attract and retain world-class faculty. It also funds innovative programs like student symposia, student-faculty research, and academic resources, ensuring that your student is learning from the best and has access to a curriculum that is at the forefront of liberal arts education.

The Parents Fund directly supports these initiatives, ensuring that Lewis & Clark remains a place that accelerates the values of a liberal arts education. It’s a place where students gain the experience, expertise, and confidence they need to lead with purpose.

Every gift to the Parents Fund, no matter the size, has a tangible and direct impact. It is a powerful way to show your commitment to your student and to the entire Lewis & Clark community. Your generosity empowers students to explore their passions, gain real-world experience, and ultimately share their gifts with the world.

Consider making a gift to the Lewis & Clark Parents Fund today. With your contribution, you are directly investing in the future of our students and the community that lifts them up.

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