OLLI Fall 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 36
President’s Letter
It is great news that we have the highest membership in the history of OLLI at Bradley.
We have over 1,350 members!
Which shows there is something for everyone. We all have our favorite ways to participate with
OLLI. Some people only go on trips, some do only study groups, and some only classes. Then there
is the Mix and Mingle and movie offerings as well.
Also, you have OLLI originals for that one-time special offering that lots of people can go to.
Then there are people who participate in everything.
As always, the committees have come through again with a wide variety of opportunities of
learning for us to choose from. They deserve a lot of credit and appreciation!
No wonder our membership is the highest yet!!
Hope you sign up for what interests you and maybe pick something outside your comfort area to
try something new.
Congratulations to all of our 1,350 plus members for making OLLI at Bradley what it is.
Laurie Bailey, OLLI President
2025-2026 Fundraising Results:
Strong Support, Strong Momentum
FY26 was an exceptional fundraising year for
OLLI. Our goal was $55,000 with 41% donor
participation. We finished the year with $107,855
in donations, 47% participation, and an additional
$26,700 in Caterpillar matching gifts.
We also received $172,000 in designated gifts for
specific, donor-directed projects. Those gifts are
deeply meaningful and allow us to pursue special
opportunities, but they are separate from the
annual operating support that keeps OLLI running
year after year.
That distinction matters. Annual and unrestricted
gifts support our core operations, including
catalogs, communications, program technology,
transportation needs, staffing support, and the
continued development of high-quality programs.
Designated gifts help fund special projects. Both
are important, but they serve different purposes.
For FY27, our goal is $65,000 in annual support
and 45% donor participation. This goal builds on
our FY26 momentum while keeping our focus on
sustaining the strong culture of giving that makes
OLLI possible.
To make a gift, please visit: bradley.edu/supportOLLI
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PRESIDENT'S LETTER/GIVING TO OLLI
