Ave Maria University |
|||||||||||
|
Giving FAQs
- How will private giving affect the university's overall budget picture?
- Can a gift be designated to a specific area?
- How does a memorial gift get properly attributed?
- How do I get my IRS tax receipt?
- What is an endowed fund?
- What is the difference between endowed funds and funds that are expendable?
- What can I give?
- How does a campaign differ from normal fundraising for the annual fund?
- What is a Restricted Gift?
- To qualify for calendar year tax purposes, what is the last day I can make a contribution for the calendar year?
Q. How will private giving affect the university's overall budget picture?
A. Private funding is the critical factor in establishing Ave Maria University for the future. Along with the large "seed gift" provided by Thomas S. Monaghan, philanthropy is essential to helping the University grow and become a great University. Gifts from private donors ensure that we can attract the best faculty and students and offer academic programs of excellence. Private giving also assists in building special programs like Ave Maria University‘s Pre-Theologate program, which is attracting many men to discernment for the priesthood.
Q. Can a gift be designated to a specific area?
A. Yes, giving money to general funds is encouraged, but a donor might want to designate a gift to something very specific. To accomplish this, one simply needs to make a written request and submit it along with a gift to the University. If the donation is being made online, a designation for the gift's use may be chosen from the list provided. If the donor wants to designate a gift for a program not noted on the list then they will need to contact our Stewardship Coordinator at 239-280-2578 or stewardshipcoordinator@avemaria.edu.
Donors receive full credit for gifts designated to specific needs at the University.
For more information on designating a contribution at Ave Maria University, please contact our Gift Processing Department at 239-280-1683 or giftprocessing@avemaria.edu
Q. How does a memorial gift get properly designated?
A. When making a gift as a memorial to someone, include a note with the following information:
•1. Name of the deceased and date of death
•2. Name of the surviving widow, widower or family member.
•3. Name, address, and amount of each donation included in the envelope.
•4. Telephone number of the principal donor, in case there are any questions.
•5. Fund or program to which the contribution should be designated.
Mail your memorial gift with this information to:
Ave Maria University
Attn: Stewardship Coordinator
1025 Commons Circle
Naples, FL 34119
(239) 280-2578
stewardshipcoordinator@avemaria.edu
Q. How do I get my IRS tax receipt?
A. Tax receipts are generally mailed to you within a week after we receive your donation.
Q. What is an endowed fund?
A. An endowed fund is one in which the principal remains untouched, and only a portion of the earnings are used. It takes a minimum of $50,000 to establish an endowed fund, but you can contribute a gift of any amount to an existing endowed fund. For more information on endowed funds, please contact the Planned Giving Office at 239-348-4715 or plannedgiving@avemaria.edu
Q. What is the difference between expendable funds and funds that are endowed ?
A. Expendable funds are those that may be spent completely in support of a project or program.Endowments are funds invested for the future. The interest may be expended to support programs but the principal is left intact. .
Q. What can I give?
A. Every gift to the Annual Fund, no matter the amount, has an immediate and meaningful impact on Ave Maria University. Contributions help maintain the quality of an Ave Maria University education and help ensure the outstanding caliber of our students.
Ave Maria University accepts gifts of cash, securities, planned gifts, real estate, in-kind gifts and tangible personal property. For more information visit the Way to Give section on our website.
Q. How does a campaign differ from normal fundraising for the annual fund?
A. The annual fund at Ave Maria University provides unrestricted dollars that are spent for operational needs year to year. Campaigns generally are temporarily restricted funds for special purposes and they generally bring 25-40 percent new money that would not have been raised otherwise.
Q. What is a Restricted Gift?
A. Restricted gifts are earmarked for specific purposes such as a named, endowed scholarship or professorship, a specific school or program, or buildings. Although both restricted and unrestricted gifts are welcome, unrestricted gifts are of critical importance and benefit student scholarships.
Q. To qualify for calendar year tax purposes, what is the last day I can make a contribution for the calendar year?
A. It depends on your gift. If you're contributing by credit card at Ave Maria University online giving site, you have until midnight, December 31.
If you are sending your gift through the mail payable by credit card, your gift must be received at Ave Maria University by December 30 to allow for processing time. (We suggest allowing at least one week for postal delivery time, depending on where you live.)
If you are mailing your check, the envelope must be postmarked (and the check dated) by December 31.