Giving Opportunities
Making a Gift FAQIf Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution, why does it need private financial support?
Are there unique advantages of giving to Southeast Missouri State University?
How can I help the Southeast Missouri University Foundation?
Will my company match my gift to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation?
Can I give to my favorite department or program?Can I make a pledge of support?
Can I make a gift in honor or memory of someone?
What is the University Fund?
Are all gifts tax-deductible?
How do I get tax credit for my charitable deduction?
How should I make out my check?
When is the Foundation's fiscal year?If Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution, why does it need private financial support?Like most other state universities today, Southeast Missouri State University receives a small percent of its annual budget directly from the state. Since Southeast Missouri State University is state-assisted, not state supported, the remainder of its operating revenues come from other sources such as student fees, federal and state grants and the generosity of donors. State dollars currently provide slightly less than half of Southeast's funding needs. This percentage is shrinking as higher education continues to compete with many other demands on state revenue. Southeast must be cautious about additional student fee increases that might deny deserving students the chance to receive a Southeast education. Since state support is declining relative to the university's total operating budget and limited increases can be expected in student fees, private gifts are becoming increasingly important to Southeast Missouri State University.Donors who recognize this increasing need provide resources that help Southeast Missouri State University attract and retain the brightest students and the best professors in their field of study. Private donors are significant partners in advancing new programs, supporting important research and building world-class academic facilities. There are no other ready sources of support than Southeast donors who join us in uniting donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence. Are there unique advantages of giving to Southeast Missouri State University?Donors find many advantages in working with the Southeast Missouri University Foundation to support higher education at Southeast, including: How can I help the Southeast Missouri University Foundation?The size of the gift you make is entirely up to you. Donations of all sizes are vital and gratefully accepted. Some donors find they can achieve their charitable goals through the Foundation's many planned giving avenues, such as life insurance, property, real estate and securities, that don't require a large sum of cash-on-hand. Pledges may also help achieve your goals as a donor. Bear in mind that you may be able to double or even triple your gift by taking advantage of your employer's matching gift for higher education program. Will my company match my gift to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation?Many companies offer employees - and sometimes spouses and retirees - a matching-gift benefit that doubles or triples their donations to higher education. Companies have various methods by which you can submit your matching-gift request: online forms, automated phone systems or paper forms that you submit to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. To view a list of corporations participating in a matching-gift program, click here. Please visit your human resources office to learn more about matching-gift donations or contact the Foundation for more information about matching gift companies and see if your gift qualifies. Can I give to my favorite department or program?Absolutely! The designation of your gift rests entirely in your hands. If you know the name of the department or program, simply indicate it in the memo space on your check or in the comments section of the online giving page. The Southeast Foundation gift processing staff will ensure your contribution reaches the proper area. If you need guidance in designating a gift, our staff and development officers are happy to provide information about Southeast's greatest needs at a university level and for each college or department. Can I make a pledge of support?Yes; gift pledges to Southeast can be paid in monthly, quarterly or even annual installments and involve an initial payment. You can pledge online or contact our gift processing department to setup a pledge payment. Can I make a gift in honor or memory of someone?Absolutely. Many donors contribute funds to honor a loved one or special individual. If you would like to make your gift in honor or memory of another person - or if you wish to give in another's name - just let us know the details. If a gift is made in memory of someone who has passed away, the Foundation will notify their family of any gifts made in tribute. If a gift is made in honor of someone's life or career, they will be notified of any gifts unless the donor requests anonymity. What is the University Fund?The University Fund provides a funding source for Southeast that is not limited to a specific program, college or department. These gifts are used where needed most throughout the institution, including resources to recruit top faculty, create scholarship programs and internship opportunities and enhance the overall academic life of the campus. Gifts to the University Fund are of critical importance because they allow the university to provide funding in the areas of greatest need to meet unexpected challenges, take advantage of unique opportunities and meet the many day-to-day challenges of current higher education. Are all gifts tax-deductible?Gifts to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax attorney or financial advisor to determine if your gift is tax-deductible. How do I get tax credit for my charitable deduction?As soon as the Foundation receives your gift, we place it in the designated fund. At the same time, the gift processing staff generates a gift receipt mailed to you for tax preparations generally within the same week. Please consult your tax attorney or financial advisor to determine instructions and proper tax credits available for your gift. How should I make out my check?Gifts to Southeast Missouri State University may be made through the Southeast Missouri University Foundation, the 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that raises and manages private support for the University. Checks should be made payable to the "Southeast Missouri University Foundation" and indicate the fund name, department or purpose for which they're intended in the memo section. The mailing address for the Foundation is One University Plaza, MS 7300, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. When is the Foundation's fiscal year?The Foundation's fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. All private gifts designated to benefit Southeast Missouri State University are managed according to this fiscal year. |
