Washburn University strives to provide students with resources of the highest quality. The Washburn foundation has taken the next step by launching an enterprise earlier in the year, Impact, to raise money for projects set outside of the school budget plan.

The name “Impact” comes from the overall goal of creating a positive impact on students through different educational experiences. Sarah Towle, assistant director of communication for the University Foundation, spoke on how impact has grown since February.

According to Towle, three projects have been successfully funded – a scholarship in honor of Bob Chipman, memorial benches in honor of “Pasta Kenny” Cann, and a professional recording for the jazz orchestra.

Donors also partially funded a project to purchase equipment for anthropology students to analyze samples from this this summer, and the department has been able to already purchase some of the equipment.

“Each project benefits students and the campus differently, and we are excited for the opportunities they will all bring to people,” Towle said.

The project that has raised the most money thus far was the Bob Chipman “41 Years/800 Wins” scholarship.

Bob Chipman’s career at Washburn stretched out for five decades. He is known as a backbone to Ichabod basketball as he assisted in the growth of the program.

The funded gift of $149,604 will help maintain the legacy of Coach Chipman by providing scholarships for future generations of Washburn men’s basketball players.

One current project is “Adopt an Instrument.” According tot he Impact website, it asks for the support of donors to purchase and repair instruments for the music department lending library. This creates financial support for students who are unable to purchase costly instruments.

The next project includes creating an opportunity to send students to a conference on gender studies and leadership through Washburn’s Leadership Institute.

As Impact continues to grow, the Foundation will continue to meet with deans and project owners to put new projects up on the site that have potential to be funded. If people have project ideas, they can visit with the chair of the department or dean as well.

“These projects provide a lot of opportunities to students that wouldn’t necessarily be available without the generosity of donors, so we are always happy when a project is funded,” said Towle.

Interested donors can check the Impact website to view new projects that emerge throughout the year to help donate and raise awareness.

Similar to the crowdfunding site GoFundMe, anyone can donate. In the past, there have been many donors who aren’t previously affiliated with Washburn make a donation because someone they knew was involved or it was a topic they cared about.

It is encouraged to raise awareness via social media, email, and word of mouth to classes and organizations.