What do you give somebody who has $25.9 billion dollars?
Posted December 12, 2006
Harvard University had an endowment of $25.9 billion at the end of FY 2005. But if you've got extra cash, they'd be delighted to take it. I received the following electronic fundraising plea today from Charlie Cardillo, executive director of the Harvard College Fund:
The coming year will mark the 400th birthday of Harvard's first benefactor, who left his library and half of his estate to the fledgling college in 1638. We're planning to celebrate this significant milestone in 2007.
To honor John Harvard's generosity, would you join me in making a gift to the Harvard College Fund? Your contribution will perpetuate the spirit of giving while touching the lives of students today and for years to come--just as the young minister's act of philanthropy has benefited so many generations since. To make a gift, please visit: http://post.harvard.edu/harvard/hcf/html/gift.htm or call us at 1-800-VERITAS.
Compared to Harvard's $25.9 billion, Ibrahim Kafia's $7.2 million business appeal (also in my in-box today) seems like small potatoes.
DEAR FRIEND,
I AM MR.IBRAHIM KAFIA,THE BILL AND EXCHANGE MANAGER AT THE FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT OF BANK OF AFRICA (B.O.A) OUAGADUOGUO BURKINA FASO.
I DISCOVERED THE SUM OF SEVEN MILLION,TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS (USD7.2)BELONGING TO A DECEASED CUSTOMER OF THIS BANK.THE FUND HAS BEEN LYING IN A SUSPENCE ACCOUNT WITHOUT ANYBODY COMING TO PUT CLAIM OVER THE MONEY SINCE THE ACCOUNT OWNER LATE,MR.SALLA KHAT FROM LEBANESE WHO WAS INVOLVED IN THE DECEMBER 26TH 2003 BENIN PLANE CRASH.HERE IS THE AIR CRASH WEBSITE ON CNN:=http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/12/26/benin.crash/index.html
IT IS THEREFORE,UPON THIS DISCOVERY THAT I DECIDED TO TAKE THIS ULTIMATUM AND MAKE THIS BUSINESS PROPOSAL TO YOU AS THE FUND WILL BE RELEASE TO YOU AS THE NEXT OF KIN OR RELATION TO THE DECEASED FOR SAFETY AND SUBSEQUENT DISBURSEMENT SINCE NOBODY IS COMING FOR IT AND I DON'T WANT THIS MONEY TO GO INTO THE BANK TREASURY AS UNCLAIMED BILL.....
I attended the school with the $25.9 billion endowment and I'm thankful that I had that opportunity. But I also received an outstanding education at the University of Idaho -- and Idaho doesn't have billions in the bank. When a school is wealthier than the Queen of England and the Sultan of Brunei, does it really need my $10 or $100 or even $1,000 check?
Archived Comments
That's funny, Frank.
I get one of those emails of the second type once a week or more. And just in case anyone here is in any doubt, they are all fraudulent. NEVER ever send any money to someone like that no matter what they promise. You'll never see it again.
Frank, these offers are TOTALLY LEGIT! You should pursue it. I would suggest that you and Lemonhead Lisa go in on it together and pose as husband and wife. You should send them whatever fees they might need up front... after all you are going to walk away with much, much more.
GO FOR IT FRANK!
Sweet! How can I get my hand on that money from Africa? My ss # is ...
You make an excellent point which should be seen in print more often. People give to charitable institutions in order to see the money put to good use. When those funds are simply piled into ever larger endowments, there is a serious question as to whether the institution is behaving responsibly.
I recall reading that Harvard, as well as some other universities, could provide tuition-free education permanently based on their endowments and the returns they generate. Previous generations gave those funds to help provide such education. Yet each year, Harvard and other well-funded universities raise their tuition above the rate of inflation, to the point that even well-off families have difficulty affording the expense.
When you say they don't have billions in the bank, what you really mean is that (like most public universities) they don't have A billion. US News & World report says that Idaho has a little over $160 million in its endowment.
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/directory/brief/drglance_1626_brief.php
The disparity between public and private is becoming so glaring that your quality experience at the state school is quickly beginning to pale compared with the Big 5.
Bart: I am so sorry to tell you that I am busy till after the first of the year--I'm putting up that (live) christmas tree-and since I'm already going to hades I won't be in any need for extra money. I think the best idea is for you and Big Sandy to go in Frank's and my place. I'm sure you could use the money more than we could.
dear sir
please reply at pratapsolan@yahoo.com
pratap rana
Frank, I'd be glad to broker this deal between you and Ibrahim if you'll only give me a cut of a measly $1 million (upfront, please, for expenses, you know you can trust me to pay you back later) and of course send me all your personal confidential information so I can forward it on to Ibrahim. I'd even give Harvard a $10 donation in your name, out of the proceeds. I promise.