Frequently asked questions about making a gift to Shippensburg University Foundation

1. What is the role of the Shippensburg University Foundation?
2. How does the SU Foundation raise funds?
3. What is the difference between unrestricted and restricted giving?
4. Where exactly do my contributions go?
5. What other outlets are supported by private contributions?
6. Why should I give? No one gave to me while I attended Ship.
7. Will I receive recognition for giving?
8. What is a matching gift company, and how do I find out if I work for one?
9. Are there giving programs for people who are not SU alumni?
10. Are there any special alumni events? When are they?
11.  What is the SU Foundation's fiscal year?

1. What is the role of the Shippensburg University Foundation?
The Shippensburg University Foundation is a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to raise funds for the benefit of Shippensburg University. The University is faced with continuous rising costs, which have created tremendous financial pressures on its operating budget. For the University to sustain and enhance its margin of excellence, it has been necessary for it to rely on increased funds from private sources. State appropriations and income from tuition and fees do not meet the total cost of education. In order to continue the University's tradition of offering the quality of a private education at an affordable, public-school price, the SU Foundation must continue to be successful in raising private support.

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2. How does the SU Foundation raise funds?
Each year, the SU Foundation's comprehensive fund-raising program is reviewed. Typical segments include the following areas:

Annual Giving
A basis for all other forms of giving, Annual Giving consists of both unrestricted and restricted giving. The Annual Fund is completed on a yearly basis through phonathons, direct mail, and personal solicitation strategies.

Planned Giving
This program is designed to raise funds, primarily for the endowment of the Foundation, by utilizing estate planning devices such as wills, bequests, trusts, gift annuities, and life insurance policies.

Comprehensive Campaigns
A comprehensive campaign is a special program designed to specifically fund a particular project or initiative.

Corporate and Foundation Giving
This program is designed to obtain support from corporations and foundations, usually on a larger scale, and can consist of either annual or capital gifts.

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3. What is the difference between unrestricted and restricted giving?
Unrestricted and restricted giving are both important to the SU Foundation because they provide needed support in many areas.

Unrestricted giving allows the University President and SU Foundation Board of Directors to determine which needs are greatest at a particular time. In addition, unrestricted contributions can be put to use where there is a need immediately such as, scholarships, computer and scientific equipment, joint student/faculty research programs, cultural programming, and more.

Restricted giving allows the donor to designate his or her gift to a specific area within the University. Restricted gifts are often made to academic departments, athletic teams, specific scholarships, and more.

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4. Where exactly do my contributions go?
All contributions are made through the SU Foundation. If you choose to designate your gift, it will be used in the area that you specify. If you give unrestricted contributions, the money will be used to fulfill the most crucial needs of the University. Each year, the SU Foundation sends out an Annual Report to its donors, which describes the specific allocation of funds.

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5. What other outlets are supported by private contributions?
Capital funds are used for many initiatives, including the improvement of new facilities, the building of new structures, and the enhancement of the endowment.

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6. Why should I give? No one gave to me while I attended Ship.
Whether you realize it or not, you did benefit from the generosity of others while you attended Shippensburg University. Facility renovations, improved technology, and cultural programming are just a few of the areas that are provided through private support and that impact each SU student. In addition, you may have received scholarships and loans that enabled you to attend college.

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7. Will I receive recognition for giving?
Yes. Each donor is listed in our Annual Report. In addition, if you are a member of one of our Annual Fund Gift Clubs, you will receive added benefits such as a campus activities card, dinner invitations, library access, and parking privileges (benefits vary by gift club).

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8. What is a matching gift company, and how do I find out if I work for one?
Matching gifts are, in essence, "free" money for the SU Foundation. Matching gift companies match charitable contributions made by their employees. The ratio could be a 1:1 (dollar for dollar) match or could be as high as 2:1 or 3:1. This allows you to double, triple, or even quadruple your gift. To find out if your company matches gifts or call your human resources office. They should have all of the information you need in order to utilize this program. Click here to find out if your company offers a matching gift www.matchinggifts.com/sufoundation

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9. Are there giving programs for people who are not SU alumni?
Yes, friends of the University and parents of current and past students are encouraged to contribute. We conduct parent phonathons and contact friends of the University during our phonathons as well. In addition, people who would like to give can contact the SU Foundation by calling 717-477-1377 or email onlinegiving@sufoundation.org.

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10. Are there any special alumni events? When are they?
Yes, there are many special alumni events throughout Pennsylvania and across the country. For more information, go to the Alumni Office web page at www.ship.edu/alumni.

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11.  What is the SU Foundation's fiscal year?
Contributions are counted within the Foundation's fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. Because of this, if you give in June, you may receive a phone call or letter in the fall because it is a new fiscal year for us.

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