Caltech Fund Catalysts
The ambitions of Caltech's students and faculty are always growing, and the resources required to achieve them must grow, too. We are grateful to the individuals who support these innovators and investigators by giving to the Caltech Fund at the highest levels, and we proudly recognize and honor these generous donors as Caltech Fund Catalysts.
The group's name reflects the way in which catalysts lower the activation energy required to make chemical reactions more efficient. Philanthropists have a similar effect at Caltech, removing barriers to make learning, teaching, and discovering more accessible for students and faculty.
When you make a leadership-level annual gift through the Caltech Fund, your support makes an immediate impact in the areas that need it most, creating opportunities for hardworking students and world-class faculty at the Institute.
- Mechanical Engineering
James Stana, MS '74
A lot of good things have happened to me because of my fellowship to Caltech, so I wanted to make sure that other people had the same advantages. The reason I received a fellowship was because other people donated money to the Institute, so for me it’s a 'pay it back' kind of thing. It enables a lot of really important scientific activity, research, and learning. I’m always curious to see how Caltech is shaping the future in science and engineering.
- Geological & Planetary Sciences
Emily Geyman, PhD '27
One of my favorite things about being at Caltech is the scientific freedom and resources to pursue one's interests. There are so many resources available at Caltech that make my projects possible. It’s exciting to be part of something bigger, and make better predictions about the future.
Qualifying for Membership
Your membership level is based on your total gifts and pledge payments to the Caltech Fund, plus any matching gift payments, received during a single fundraising year (October 1 through September 30). To maintain your membership, you will be asked to renew your support annually.
Recognition is offered at the following levels:
Your leadership contribution can support:
- Undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, and teaching assistantships that make it possible for outstanding students to attend, regardless of their financial circumstances
- Support for students beyond the classroom, including extra-curricular programs and clubs, wellness offerings, and research and internship opportunities
- Financial resources and start-up funds to keep outstanding faculty at the Institute and to recruit others who bring novel expertise and perspectives, ensuring a strong team into the future
- Seed funding to innovators, enabling them to pursue promising, as-yet unproven ideas that have the potential to change the world
- Flexibility to Caltech's academic and administrative leaders, allowing them to seize emerging opportunities and address urgent issues quickly for the benefit of students and faculty
Honoring You
Because of the important role you play at the Institute, you will enjoy a personalized experience, including special communications and invitations, updates from the Institute, and a personal contact ready to help with any questions you may have. In addition, you will receive:
- Special communications, gifts, and invitations throughout the year just for Caltech Fund Catalysts
- A campus liaison to assist you in fulfilling your philanthropic goals and to serve as a resource for any questions you might have about Caltech
- Personalized "Thank You" videos and messages from current students at the Institute
- A chance to share your feedback and ideas with the Institute through our annual Impact Survey
- An annual report describing the collective impact you and your fellow Caltech Fund Catalysts had on students and faculty during the previous fundraising year
All of these experiences and more are available when you make the greatest impact you can by providing immediate, flexible funding to support the areas that need it most.