Annual Giving FAQ
What is Annual Giving?
Each year, MidAmerica Nazarene University contacts friends, alumni, and parents for gifts to support the ongoing work of the University. Choosing to give to MNU each year, whatever the amount, is one of the best, most significant ways to demonstrate commitment to MidAmerica and its mission. In fact, the percentage of alumni and friends who give annually to MNU will likely influence corporations and foundations who may consider a large gift to MNU. Every gift makes a difference!
What is the University Fund?
The University Fund is the foundation of giving at MNU. The University Fund provides alumni, parents and friends an avenue to give unrestricted support to MNU and ultimately, provide scholarships to students. The opportunity to participate is provided through a series of informative mailings, the annual student phonathon, and through online giving and matching gift opportunities.
Why is the University Fund important?
Contributions to the University Fund help to bridge the difference between the total cost of a college education and the amount students pay in tuition. Gifts to the University Fund shape the future of MNU by providing funds for scholarships.
Is my gift to the University Fund tax deductible?
Yes. All gifts to MidAmerica Nazarene University are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent allowed by law.
Are there ways to contribute to the University Fund other than making gifts by cash or credit card?
While most contributions are made in the form of personal checks or credit card payments, gifts of appreciated securities (either stocks or mutual funds) can result in additional tax savings to you. You can deduct the market value of the securities, up to the established IRS limits, and you can avoid capital gains tax that is payable if you sold them. Visit the Types of Gifts page for more information on how to make gifts of securities. Other types of gifts take the form of gifts of personal property (collectibles, antiques, artwork, etc.), gifts of real estate, life insurance policies, gifts by will or bequest, and gifts in honor of or in memory of an individual.
Will my company match my gift?
Over 1,000 companies and corporate foundations currently match their employees' gifts to MidAmerica Nazarene University. Under a corporate matching gift program, gifts made by a company's eligible employees to the nonprofit organizations that meet the company's guidelines are matched with company or corporate foundation funds.
Corporate matching gifts are an important source of annual giving funds for MNU. In most cases, MidAmerica receives dollar-for-dollar matches. But in some cases, the company's match doubles or triples the gift of the employee. The amount of the match, payment schedule, employee eligibility, requirements and access to forms are at the sole discretion of each employer.
Visit the Matching Gift page for additional information regarding how you can make a matching gift.
Do company matching gifts count toward donor recognition?
Yes. At MNU, matching gifts count toward our donor recognition program. For example, a donor who contributes a $500 gift and files a one-to-one company match claim within the same fiscal year is recognized at the $1,000 gift level in the published Honor Roll of Donors.
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