What is Annual Giving?

F: Gifts to the Annual Giving Program provide funding for an enhanced level of student programs and services — and help keep those initiatives operating year after year. Such support is vital today. State funding, per student, is less than it was five years ago, and it continues to decrease. By supporting Southern through the Annual Giving Program, alumni make it possible for the university to maintain a tradition of academic excellence.

Annual giving supports nearly every activity on campus, including faculty and student collaborative research, the acquisition of state-of-the-art computer technology and laboratory equipment, student scholarships, and more. The Annual Giving Program runs in conjunction with Southern’s fiscal year, from July 1 to June 30.

Who does my gift support?

F: It all comes back to Southern’s students, and I think you’ll agree that they’re an extremely talented and deserving group. Some 70 percent rely on financial aid to attend the university, and most pursue their studies while working to finance their educations. The Annual Giving Program ensures that these dedicated young men and women receive an exceptional education by enhancing vital programs and initiatives throughout campus, funding everything from important library resources to the development of new academic initiatives. Exceptional academic programs, in turn, make it possible for our students to excel fully. For example, in the most recent academic year Southern students received statewide and national recognition and awards for their accomplishments in writing, mathematics, computer programming, exercise science, theater, business, and the sciences, to name just a few areas. Each and every gift to the Annual Giving Program played a part in helping these students reach their remarkable levels of success.

Alumni benefit as well, because as Southern’s reputation for excellence grows, so does the value of all Southern degrees.

Is it possible to designate my gift to a specific area of campus?

F: Absolutely! Unrestricted gifts fill a special need by supporting the university’s highest funding priorities — the most pressing needs on campus. But gifts also may be earmarked to support an area of campus that holds a special place in your heart, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Communication, Information and Library Science, the School of Education, and the School of Health and Human Services. Or you may designate your contribution to support Buley Library or student scholarships.

I can afford to make only a small gift at this point.
Does my contribution really make a difference?

F: There’s power in numbers. The combined generosity of our alumni and friends plays a critical role in helping the university maintain a standard of excellence. Southern has approximately 66,000 active alumni. If every one contributed $35 annually, the university would have $2,310,000 to support Southern and its students each year. If all made a $100 gift, Southern would have $6,600,000.

Alumni contributions also help Southern earn major grants from corporations and foundations. Alumni support is often viewed as an indication of graduates’ satisfaction with their alma mater. Many corporations and foundations therefore consider the level of alumni support when awarding grants.

How can I make a gift?

F: Annual Giving contributions may be made online at giving.SouthernCT.edu or by phone at (203) 392-7059. You may also make your gift by using the envelope enclosed in this magazine, or by mailing your donation to Southern Connecticut State University Foundation, P.O. Box 8658, New Haven, CT 06531-0658. You can make your contributions by credit card, money order, or check made out to the SCSU Foundation. The university also welcomes gifts of stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, and other appreciated assets.

What are matching gifts?

F: Many employers offer matching gift programs that greatly leverage the value of gifts to the university by “matching” the contribution, sometimes doubling or even tripling its value. It’s easy to help Southern receive these important dollars. Often the donor simply has to complete an employer’s matching gift form or call a matching gift hot line. To find out if you or your spouse’s employer offers a matching gift program, please contact the company’s human resources department or visit matching.SouthernCT.edu.

Are gifts to Southern’s Annual Giving program tax deductible?

F: Yes, all gifts to Southern through the Annual Giving Program are tax-deductible. The university provides gift receipts for use when filing income taxes. There are additional tax benefits to making gifts of appreciated stock or setting up annuities and trusts with Southern. For more information, please call the Development Office at (203) 392-5598.

For more information on Southern’s Annual Giving program, call Judite Fernandes at (203) 392-6515 or contact her via email at fernandesj1@SouthernCT.edu. Thank you.