GIVING BACK TO TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
These are the primary reasons individuals give so generously.
Don't Overlook the Personal Financial Benefits
Once you have reached a decision to support a particular cause or institution, like our organization, it is only natural that you should consider the personal financial benefits of your gift. Here are the many ways you can benefit while helping others.
Income tax savings. To encourage private contributions, our government allows you to deduct them on your income tax return, provided you itemize.
Reduction of estate and probate costs. Gifts to Texas Southern University, either now or at death, avoid the federal estate tax. A contribution now also reduces probate costs later.
Give for Your Own Reasons
No matter why others give, you have your own personal reasons. This is the way it should be. Philanthropy has both tangible and intangible rewards. You will find that you are influenced by many motives--some humanitarian, some financial, some close to your heart. The best plan for you is the one that satisfies all of them.
Thinking Beyond the Checkbook
Investment assets. Stocks, bonds, real estate and other property, if they have grown in value, make it possible to give a larger donation for less cost and even provide tax benefits for you.
Life insurance policies. Although often forgotten, gifts of life insurance are a great way to leverage your giving. Donate paid-up life insurance policies with cash values or new policies with Texas Southern University named as owner and beneficiary.
Deferred gifts. Popular methods include leaving a gift in your will or a trust, or donating personal property. Also, consider bequeathing your retirement plan assets or other assets that would be heavily taxed if left to heirs upon your death.
Volunteering. There are many opportunities to give your time and expertise. Accept an offer to serve on a board or committee, make calls for a capital campaign, or simply respond when your favorite charitable organizations, like Texas Southern University, need help.
Although a gift of cash is always welcome, there are many other forms of giving. Our organization appreciates your gift whether it is immediate or years from now, and we can help you find the perfect gift for your individual circumstances.
HOW TO GIVE THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS
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Step 1:
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Determine Type of Scholarship Fund
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The first step is to determine whether you would like to establish an "endowed" scholarship or an "annual" scholarship:
Endowed Scholarships
Endowed scholarship funds are designed to be permanent and perpetual and can be created with gifts totaling a minimum amount of $15,000, contributed in full at the outset or with an initial commitment that is added to over time until the endowment level of $15,000 is attained. The principal of the fund is invested to produce income, and an annual award is made to a student(s). The principal remains untouched, so the endowment can last into perpetuity.
Annual Scholarships
Annual scholarships can be established with an outright gift of $1,000. An annual commitment of $1,000 per year for four years is recommended, and the annual gift is awarded to recipients over the four-year period. Unlike an endowed scholarship described above, an annual scholarship is not a permanent fund and is awarded only as long you (or others) choose to contribute to the fund.
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Type of Scholarship Fund
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Step 2:
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Establish Scholarship Criteria
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As a scholarship donor, you choose the name of the scholarship as well as the criteria. The Office of Alumni Relations is available to help you create the criteria for your scholarship. Endowed and annual scholarships at Texas Southern are awarded to deserving students based upon area of interest, geographical origin, leadership potential, merit, financial need, academic achievement and/or other criteria. The Texas Southern University Foundation must agree to any special award conditions established by the donor.
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Step 3:
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Administration of Scholarship Funds
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Typically, a selection committee carefully reviews the scholarship applications submitted by students and selects the most deserving recipient(s) based on the donor-established criteria.
Major contributors of a scholarship fund are notified annually when the scholarship recipient(s) has been selected and are informed of the name and hometown of the recipient, as well as the amount of the award. Recipients often write a thank-you note to the donor, and in some cases, the recipient and donor are able to meet.
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Tax Benefits of Funding a Scholarship
An outright gift in the form of cash or appreciated securities will allow you to receive immediate tax benefits in the year you make the gift to Texas Southern University. In the case of appreciated securities, you may also avoid capital gains taxes.
You can also provide for your scholarship in your estate plans. Estate gifts are an easy way to establish a scholarship without affecting your current income or assets.
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WAYS OF GIVING
What is a matching gift?
Many companies encourage their employees to make charitable contributions by matching their philanthropic support. At the University, donors receive credit for their employers' matching gifts, meaning the match will also count towards your gift totals. The impact of corporate matching support can be enormous. Hundreds of companies have matching-gift programs. To find out if you work for one of them, you can go online to search, or consult your human resources office, which will also provide you with a matching gift form.
How can I make a contribution? Is there an easy way to give?
There are many options available for making gifts, and we have worked to make sure each one is easy and convenient. You can mail a check, give online, or even have a regular deduction made from your account through an automatic bank draft. You could sign up to have $10 a month deducted for 12 months from your checking account, and after 12 months you’ve contributed $120 to the University!
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes, TSU is qualified as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, so all gifts to the University are tax deductible. To find out more about tax deductibility visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov
How are my contributions used?
Annual funds have been used to support schools, projects, teaching, research, and outreach.
Why does the University need annual giving?
Annual giving from alumni and other donors help to finance academic programs in the ten schools, as well as student-life activities, athletics, the library, and other programs. Annual gifts provide funding for such areas as the Office of Alumni Relations and preservation of TSU's historic buildings and grounds.
I can only make a small contribution. Does that really help?
Absolutely. For example, if 40 alumni each gave $25, that would cover a student's annual cost of books and supplies. For TSU it is not how much you give, but that you give. Alumni participation, especially loyal participation from year to year, not only aids the University financially, but also factors into TSU’s ranking.
I've already paid my Alumni Association dues. Does that make me a University Alumni donor?
No. Membership dues for the Alumni Association (or local Alumni Chapters) are not contributions to TSU's Office of Alumni Relations, and therefore do not receive University Alumni recognition. Being an Office of Alumni Relations supporter/donor is about supporting the University Alumni office, schools and programs that you care about most at TSU. If you are interested in becoming an Office of Alumni Relations donor, you can make an annual contribution payable to the Office of Alumni Relations. For more information call 713-313-6805.
Different ways/types of giving?
*Annual Giving
*Appreciated Securities
*Capital Projects
*Retirement Plans
*Endowment Gifts
*Matching Gifts
*Gift Annuities
*Life Insurance Gifts
*Real Estate
*Personal Property
*Reunion Giving
*Wills and Living Trust
*Charitable Remainder or Lead Trust
BECOME A OAR SUPPORTER
Tiger Stripe Level - $25 – Includes: an alumni t-shirt, subscription to Generations of Pride Magazine & OAR Supporter card.
Cub 100 Club - $100 – Includes: an alumni t-shirt, 10% discount to OAR events, and subscription to Generations of Pride Magazine, OAR Supporter card.
Maroon & Gray Level - $350 – Includes: 2 alumni t-shirts, 15% discount to OAR events, discounts/coupons on preferred businesses goods and services, preferred seating at athletic events, subscription to Generations of Pride Magazine, and OAR Supporter card.
Tiger 500 Club - $500 – Includes: 4 alumni t-shirts, 25% discount to OAR events, discounts/coupons on preferred businesses goods and services, season tickets to TSU athletic events, (football, basketball, TSU Relays) preferred seating at athletic events, subscription to Generations of Pride Magazine and OAR Supporter card.
Elite Tiger’s Den Club - $750 – Includes: 4 alumni t-shirts, 30% discount to OAR events, discounts/coupons on preferred businesses goods and services, season tickets to TSU athletic events, (football, basketball, TSU Relays) preferred seating at athletic events, subscription to Generations of Pride Magazine, listing as BBTY supporter at all events and OAR Supporter card.
Platinum PALS Society - $1000 (Positive Alumni Leadership & Support) Includes: 5 alumni t-shirts, 35% discount to OAR events, discounts/coupons on preferred businesses goods and services, season tickets to TSU athletic events, (football, basketball, TSU Relays) preferred seating at athletic events, subscription to Generations of Pride Magazine, listing as B.B.T.Y supporter at all events and OAR Supporter card.
Titanium Tiger - $2500 – Includes: 6 alumni t-shirts, free entry to all OAR events, discounts/coupons on preferred businesses goods and services, season tickets to all TSU athletic events, preferred seating at athletic events, subscription to Generations of Pride Magazine, full page ad in an issue of Generations of Pride Magazine, listing as BBTY supporter at all events and OAR Supporter card.
For more information please contact the Office of Alumni Relations
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