However you choose to direct your generosity, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and faculty, helping to advance Cornell’s mission of creating knowledge with a public purpose.
On Thursday March 12th, #GivingDay2026, please consider giving to the Sarasota-Manatee Cornell Club Scholarship Fund, an endowed fund used to supplement financial aid administered by Cornell for students from Sarasota and Manatee counties who need assistance. This link for Giving Day will only be available on March 12th.
Seventeen students from the local area currently attend Cornell, three graduate students and fourteen undergraduates. They are an impressive group with a wide array of interests and academic pursuits. To learn more about our amazing local students, see the presentation from the January luncheon: 2026 Student Presentation (CCSM members only, please sign in to view).
A big thank you to those who helped Build a Bridge to the Future in 2025. Your generosity allowed us to raise $22,000 and resulted in four local students receiving scholarships totaling $21,975.
Local students need our help. It costs over $96,000 for out-of-state students to attend Cornell. The median household income in Sarasota and Manatee counties is less than $84,000. Our scholarship fund really does impact whether some students can afford to attend Cornell.
Some quotes from recent scholarship recipients:
“This [scholarship] will greatly alleviate the financial burden placed onto myself and my family, reducing the barriers towards my goal. I would not be where I am today without the selfless support of people like you.”
“Your generosity … ensures my ability to pursue my interests, goals, and education. I am ecstatic to study at Cornell, and it wouldn’t be the same without your scholarship and help!”
“This award comes as an amazing help, alleviating my tuition expenses, and further empowering me to pursue my academic and personal passions with greater focus, time, and ambition."
There is no better day to give than on Cornell Giving Day along with our Big Red Family! Please consider our local student scholarship fund as you make your contributions to keep Cornell's Traditions alive and thriving.
Every gift matters.
