Frequently Asked Questions
NC State is a state-supported institution, so why are gifts needed?
NC State receives funds from three sources: tuition, appropriations from the state's budget, and private support. Though tuition and state monies provide a large part of the university's operating budget, there are always more needs than those two sources can supply - especially when the state's budget is tight, and even more if NC State is to remain a leader among Research I universities. Gifts to the Annual Fund meet crucial academic needs that otherwise would simply go unmet.
Why are unrestricted gifts so important?
Because an unrestricted gift can be used wherever the need is greatest. A gift to your college's John Doe Memorial Scholarship must be used to fund that scholarship - even if the college doesn't have enough lab supplies, computers, or books for this semester's classes. Unrestricted gifts allow the university the most flexibility for the most pressing needs.
May I specify how my gift is used?
Absolutely! You may be as general as for the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences or as specific as for the Apiculture (or Zoology) Fund ... and almost anywhere in between.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
100%. Because you are making a gift - that is, you are not promised some benefit or thing in exchange for what you give - the IRS permits you to deduct the total amount of your donation.
What special projects does the Annual Fund support?
In addition to calling alums each year, the Annual Fund also coordinates calling the parents of current students and members of the senior class. Parents are asked to make a gift to the Parents' Fund, and seniors are invited to support their senior class gift. Both of these projects are chosen yearly.
Can I pay my Alumni Association dues through the Annual Fund?
No - membership dues must be paid directly to the Alumni Association. In fact, even if you're making a gift to the Annual Fund and paying your membership dues at the same time, you're asked to send two separate checks (you can use the same envelope, though!), to meet university accounting and audit requirements.
How do I make a matching gift?
You don't! Matching gifts are made by employers, not by individual donors. Many companies offer to match the gifts that their employees make to certain not-for-profit institutions and organizations such as universities, local charities, or the American Red Cross. If you work for a company with a matching gift program, you provide your employer with information about your gift (usually by calling a toll-free number or filling out a company-produced form) and the company does the rest. If your company's match ratio is 1:1, the company donates $100 to NC State to match the $100 you give. It's a great way to make your gift go farther! Click here for more information on matching gifts.
Why does the Annual Fund call me every year?
We've found that traditionally this is the best way to make contact with NC State alums, to ask them to make a gift to the university, to get correct address information, and to give them a chance to speak with a current student about how things are at NC State. Most alums we speak with like to be reminded to make their annual gift, and to chat briefly with one of our student callers.
We offer several other ways to make gifts, however, besides waiting for your call from a student. At your convenience you may:
- make a gift on-line and use your MasterCard or Visa on our secure server
- call us at 800-258-1057 during regular office hours Eastern time and charge your gift
- mail a check, made payable to NC State Annual Fund, to Campus Box 7511, Raleigh, NC 27695-7511.
- Also please note that we'll be happy to contact you by e-mail - just send an e-mail to afund@ncsu.edu.
You can update your address and phone information, ask us to remind you via e-mail rather than phone about making your gift, and specify when you would like your reminder. Feel free to e-mail or call for information about making a gift of appreciated stock - we'll be happy to help!
Can I make my gift with a credit card?
Yes, gifts can be made on-line with your credit card using our secure sever. You may also make a credit card gift when a student caller asks for your Annual Fund contribution or when you receive an Annual Fund gift card by mail. Or you can make a credit card gift by calling 800-258-1057 during regular office hours - Eastern time.
Where should I send a gift?
- NC State Annual Fund, Campus Box 7511, Raleigh, NC 27695-7511
- Steve Watt, Director of Gift Planning, Campus Box 7501, Raleigh, NC 27695-7501
What benefits will I receive from making a planned deferred gift in support of NC State?
Donor of planned deferred gifts can receive a number of financial benefits from their gifts depending on the type of gift made. A bequest under your will or living trust will result in estate tax savings, but not an income tax deduction. If you establish a charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity, you may receive income, capital gains, estate and possibly gift tax savings. In addition, from a trust or gift annuity your named beneficiary will receive income for life or a term of years. These types of gifts allow the donor to "unlock" appreciation in their assets without having to pay the capital gains tax that would be due if they sold the assets.
Your financial commitment will have a direct impact on NC State, allowing you to show your support for the university in a very tangible way. We will be happy to work with you so that your gift will be used exactly as you direct. The gift will give you the satisfaction of knowing you have made a significant difference in whatever area or areas are of most importance to you. Your gift will qualify you for membership in the R. Stanhope Pullen Society. When you make an irrevocable gift a portion of that will be counted toward placement in the NC State Lifetime Giving Societies. For more information, contact Steve Watt at 919-515-9076 or email at Steve Watt@ncsu.edu.
How will making a planned gift help NC State now if the money will not be available for many years to come?
Many alumni and friends of NC State are not able, at this point in time, to make a major gift. The reasons are varied-they may still have children in college, planning their own retirements or building a business to name only a few. A gift planned to mature at some point later in time allows NC State to move forward secure in the knowledge that the funds will be available at a future date. For many donors, the planned gift that will mature many years in the future may be larger than any outright gifts they could make over the years.
What are the various types of planned or deferred gifts?
There are several types of planned or deferred gifts and the one that is most appropriate for you depends on a number of factors. Important aspects to be considered include the size of the gift, the age of the beneficiary (ies), the amount of income needed and the length of time in income is need. For more specific information please see our Planned Gift page.
Can I make a gift anonymously?
We will be happy to comply with your wishes not to disclose your gift. Please discuss your wishes with the development professional assigned to the area your gift will benefit or, you may contact the Office of Gift Planning at (919) 515-9076 or via e-mail at Steve Watt@ncsu.edu.
I want my gift to support multiple areas at NC State-how can I do that? Gifts to benefit multiple foundations or associations can be handled easily. Please discuss your needs with one of our development professionals or contact the Office of Gift Planning at (919) 515-9076 or via e-mail at Steve Watt@ncsu.edu for more information.