University GIVING FAQ
- What is annual Giving?
- What is the University Fund?
- Why is the University Fund important?
- Why is my gift so important?
- How much should I contribute?
- I can only afford to make a small gift. Does my gift really make a difference to MNU?
- How will my gift impact MNU students?
- Is my gift to the University Fund tax deductible?
- Are there ways to contribute to the University Fund other than making gifts by cash or credit card?
- Will my company match my gift?
- Do company matching gifts count toward donor recognition?
- What recognition programs for annual giving exist at MNU?
1.
What is Annual Giving?
Each year, MidAmerica Nazarene University contacts friends, alumni, and parents in order to raise annual operating funds to support the ongoing work of the University. Contributions to MNU's University Fund provides a steady supply of unrestricted money that can be used for scholarships, student aid, faculty, equipment, and facilities.
2. What is the University Fund?
The University Fund is the foundation of giving at MNU. The University Fund is the fund designated by MidAmerica which provides alumni, parents and friends an avenue to provide unrestricted support to keep MNU financially strong. The opportunity to participate is provided through a series of informative mailings, the annual student phonathon, and through online giving and matching gift opportunities.
3. Why is the University Fund important?
Contributions to the University Fund help to bridge the difference between the total cost of a college education and the amount students pay in tuition. Gifts to the University Fund shape the future of MNU by providing funds for scholarships, library acquisitions, equipment, facilities, faculty salaries, and other needs to keep the campus running smoothly and efficiently.
4. Why is my gift so important?
MNU's success depends largely on private support from friends and alumni since it does not receive direct federal or state funding. The number of individuals who support MidAmerica is extremely important since it demonstrates the scope of support by the university's constituents. In particular, the level of participation by MNU's alumni often impacts the level of support foundations are willing to provide when considering grant proposals.
5. How much should I contribute?
This is, of course, your decision. But we hope that all alumni and friends of the university will participate in the University Fund and establish a regular "tradition of giving." If everyone gives at a level consistent with their ability to do so and will consider increasing their gifts each year - the University Fund will be more successful than ever before!
6. I can only afford to make a small gift. Does my gift really make a difference to MNU?
Every gift, regardless of size, is greatly appreciated. Your gift, combined with others, become very significant to MidAmerica. Your gift will provide the ongoing support that is so essential to the quality of the university's programs. Unrestricted gifts to the University Fund give MNU the flexibility to respond in a timely manner to opportunities, and to meet unexpected challenges.
7. How will my gift impact MNU students?
Since the University Fund supplements the operating budget, gifts to the fund alleviate the need for large tuition increases to students. In addition, a significant portion of the University Fund is used to provide student scholarship assistance.
8. Is my gift to the University Fund tax deductible?
Yes. All gifts to MidAmerica Nazarene University are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent allowed by law.
9.
Are there ways to contribute to the University Fund other than making gifts by cash
or credit card?
While most contributions are made in the form of personal checks or credit card payments, gifts of appreciated securities (either stocks or mutual funds) can result in additional tax savings to you. You can deduct the market value of the securities, up to the established IRS limits, and you can avoid capital gains tax that is payable if you sold them. Visit the Types of Gifts page for more information on how to make gifts of securities.
Other types of gifts take the form of gifts of personal property (collectibles, antiques, artwork, etc.), gifts of real estate, life insurance policies, gifts by will or bequest, and gifts in honor of or in memory of an individual.
10. Will my company match my gift?
Over 1,000 companies and corporate foundations currently match their employees' gifts to MidAmerica Nazarene University. Under a corporate matching gift program, gifts made by a company's eligible employees to the nonprofit organizations that meet the company's guidelines are matched with company or corporate foundation funds.
Corporate matching gifts are an important source of annual giving funds for MNU. In most cases, MidAmerica receives dollar-for-dollar matches. But in some cases, the company's match doubles or triples the gift of the employee. The amount of the match, payment schedule, employee eligibility, requirements and access to forms are at the sole discretion of each employer.
Visit the Matching Gift page for additional information regarding how you can make a matching gift.
11. Do company matching gifts count toward donor recognition?
Yes. At MNU, matching gifts count toward our donor recognition program. For example, a donor who contributes a $500 gift and files a one-to-one company match claim within the same fiscal year is recognized at the $1,000 gift level in the published Honor Roll of Donors.
12. What recognition programs for annual giving exist at MNU?
Aside from the personal enrichment you will receive by making a gift to the University Fund, your participation will qualify you for participation in one of several gift clubs established to recognize individuals for their generous support of MidAmerica Nazarene University. All gifts to the university from January 1 to December 31 each year will count toward the Gift Club Program. All donors will be recognized in the Honor Roll of Donors which is published in the winter issue of Accent. Visit the Donor Gift Club page for additional information regarding Gift Club membership
