Giving FAQs
Why give?
Your gift helps to ensure the longevity of Whim 'n Rhythm. Whim faces tougher headwinds than ever before. Costs are rising for Whim but income is relatively flat. There is more competition for senior singers, as well as more competition for gigs.
Your gift supports the alumni association whose goal is to support the current group as needed to ensure Whim's longevity.
Who manages the Whim fund and how is it invested?
The Whim 'n Rhythm Alumni Association Board manages the fund. The Board's investment Committee,, guided by the Whim 'n Rhythm Alumni treasurer, will manage funds, as directed by investment policy.
Can I restrict my donation?
The Whim 'n Rhythm Alum Board encourages unrestricted gifts to give the board the agility to address sustainability issues when they arise. However, gifts to the Whim Fund may be directed towards the Whim 'n Rhythm Community Outreach Fund, established by the Class of 2015, which supports non-paying or low-paying performances by the current Whim group. More about the fund. If you would like to restrict your fund in another way, please reach out to Tracy Bach to discuss at proftbach19@gmail.com.
What will my donation be used for?
Your unrestricted gift could support Whim in many ways. Your donation may support the current group by funding low or non-paying concerts that they otherwise could not accept. It may help with album costs -- keep in mind that album costs are no longer offset by revenues as they were back in the day of CDs. It may help fund recruitment events and alumni events as needed. Plus, the alumni board underwrites basic costs for each group including quickbooks and other basic infrastructure needs. These are just some examples ...
$100 could help fund promotion -- e.g., insta boosts. Notice the Harvard Opportunes who are all over social media! It costs money. Potential audiences are reached in different ways versus the past.
$250 could fund a videographer to record a concert -- then post on insta or other social media.
$250 could fund a musical workshop for local New Haven kids.
$500 could fund travel on metro north to NYC pro bono concert.
$1,000 could fund a recruiting event to level the playing field between whiffs & whim at tap time. Recent groups report that recruiting is hard with the Whiffs going coed.
$2,500 could fund tap brunch.
$5,000 could fund the current group album - remember that recording costs are no longer offset by album sales! Each group still wants to preserve their sound on Spotify!
$10,000 could help offset loss from the $50,000 in costs associated with world tour. Booking paying concerts is harder than ever, but the tour is one of the great reasons that singers join Whim.
How much are you trying to raise?
Whim 'n Rhythm, Inc. received a recent matching gift of $50,000 from an alum. Our goal is to raise this much and more towards sustaining the future of Whim!
The landscape for Yale singing and the global economy has changed over the years. Concert fees have not kept up with inflation. And expenses have surpassed inflation. Plus, the Whiffenpoofs are now competing for top female singers. Whim disappeared in 1993 for a year and was brought back to life by alums. Let's keep Whim strong now and forever.
My group didn't get alumni support? Why should I support Whim today?
Does giving to Whim count toward giving to Yale?
No, Whim 'n Rhythm, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization which is separate from Yale University. Your gift will not count towards any commitments you have made to Yale.
How much should I give?
Of course we hope that you will dig deep! This is a once in 45 year opportunity - a time to show what Whim meant to you then and now. However, participation is our #1 goal and we hope to have the support of all Whim alums at whatever level is comfortable for you.
What is bank info so I can pay via ACH?
Whim 'n Rhythm, Inc.
Bank Name: Mascoma
Routing Number: 211770213
Account Number: 709448091
Account Type: Checking