Campaign FAQ's:
Why is Utah State University in a campaign?
Private support has become vital to the groundbreaking research and innovative programs that are Utah State University. Thousands of students have received an extraordinary education at Utah State University. Many of these students can attribute a part of their success to the generosity of individuals who believed in the power of education. We look to our dedicated friends and future supporters to join with us in assuring access and opportunity to future generations of students. The purpose of the Campaign for Utah State University is to enhance the ability of faculty, students and staff to do their best work, and to increase the impact of Utah State University locally, nationally, and globally.
When did The Campaign for Utah State University begin?
Honoring Traditions Securing Our Future The Campaign for Utah State University began July 1, 2003, with a "quiet phase." Following the public kick-off March 2, 2007, the campaign will continue in a public phase through July 2012. During the quiet phase, colleges, programs and the regional campuses identified their goals, leadership gifts were solicited, prospective donors were identified, and the campaign name and theme were established. During the "public phase," which was launched March 2, 2007, leadership gifts continue to be solicited as we expand our solicitations to as many alumni and friends as we can reach, inviting them to invest in the future of Utah State University.
What is the Campaign's financial goal?
The purpose of the Campaign for Utah State University is to advance student's access to high quality programs and to provide the opportunity for students and faculty to create lasting impact. Utah State University is seeking $400 million in private support during this campaign. This goal was established based on the needs and priorities of the university's colleges, programs and the regional campuses in support of its outstanding students and faculty.
How were the Campaign priorities determined?
Campaign priorities grew out of the vision and strategic goals of the university. Each college, program and branch campus is seeking to engage donors and friends in order to attract gifts dedicated to undergraduate scholarship support, graduate fellowship support, faculty support, program support, facility enhancement, and unrestricted funds. Among these gifts will be current use gifts, known as expendable, and endowment gifts which create a permanent, reliable source of funding.
How can faculty participate in The Campaign for Utah State University?
Faculty are key to the innovation, ideas, education and research that lie at the heart of Utah State University. If donors are inspired to give, they do so because they are captivated by the possibilities. No one can articulate those possibilities more forcefully than faculty. Faculty and staff are strong supporters of the University and its programs. Many give regularly through payroll deduction. Their engagement and support is critical to the success of this campaign.
Why should private donors support the Campaign for Utah State University?
Private support is an investment by individuals who recognize the university as an invaluable resource, not only for our community and the state but also for the nation. Utah State University faces the challenge of maintaining a high quality faculty and student body in a highly competitive environment. Success in this competition will require a partnership between the public sector and private individuals.
Private donors, both alumni and friends, have been willing to join the effort to ensure continued access to and opportunities within Utah State University. Their investments will enrich the lives of many people, including those who never attend the university but who benefit, directly or indirectly, from the teaching and research of faculty and students. Donors have the satisfaction of helping to shape a better future as well as advantages in terms of tax savings and personal financial management.
Are all of the university's colleges, programs and the regional campuses included in the campaign?
Yes. The campaign goal was arrived at through a consultative process involving trustees, deans, faculty, administration, and donors to the university. The compact planning process around which the goal is structured included all parts of the university. Many endowments sought through the campaign will have campus-wide benefits. Other gifts will benefit specific colleges or programs, as designated by the donor.
May I restrict my gift to a particular project or program?
Yes. The University can prepare a proposal or gift agreement to suit your interests within legal constraints. To ensure that your contribution is used as you intend, you should discuss it with a development staff member before putting any restriction in writing.
Why should I make an additional pledge to the Campaign for Utah State University if I already am contributing?
Your additional pledge will be used for special projects and programs that the campaign will make possible. Annual gifts, except seat-related contributions to athletics (quid pro quo) and memberships, count toward the campaign total, so we urge you to make a special pledge to the campaign and to continue or increase your annual giving.
I am unable to make a large commitment to the university at this time, but I want to be a part of the Campaign. Are there any options for me?
There are many options for giving through estate and lifetime gifts. These include a provision in your will, insurance policies and other charitable vehicles. Your attorney or tax advisor can work directly with our Office of Planned Giving to match your wishes with an opportunity at the university.
Can I make my gift anonymously?
Utah State University willingly accepts anonymous gifts and will protect the anonymity of any donor who requests it. Anonymous gifts will be counted in the campaign and are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
May gifts be used for commemorative purposes?
The Campaign for Utah State University offers a variety of possibilities to memorialize or honor a relative, friend or other individual. Endowed funds frequently bear the donor's name, or are named at the donor's direction for another individual. Buildings and other facilities also offer naming opportunities in whole or in part. The naming of buildings or other facilities is considered as a separate case, in accordance with established university policy, and must be approved by the President and the Board of Trustees. It is advisable to work with a university development professional on these types of gifts.
What is the Utah State University Development Foundation? Should I make my gift to the University or to the Foundation?
The Utah State University Development Foundation is not a philanthropic entity itself but exists solely to benefit the university. Foundation trustees act as an advisory committee for the campaign and provide leadership in soliciting major private gifts to benefit the university. Donors are encouraged to make gifts directly to the foundation. Donors to the foundation will receive the same tax advantages as they would if they made gifts directly to the university.