Giving FAQs
You may also have the chance to double your gift by taking advantage of your employer’s matching gift program. Whichever avenue you choose, you have the opportunity to join the ISU family of donors who make a difference in the life of a student – no matter the size of your donation.
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Will my company match my gift to the ISU Foundation? Many companies offer employees a matching gift benefit that doubles or triples your donation to higher education. This option may also be available to spouses and retirees. There are various ways you may submit your gift matching requests to the ISU Foundation, such as: online forms, automated phone systems, or paper forms. Please visit your company's human resource office to learn more about matching gift opportunities, or contact the ISU Foundation to determine if your gift qualifies.
[Top of the page] What is an endowment? An edowment is a fund that donors can establish to ensure a long-lasting source of support at Indiana State University. The endowed funds only use the income earned from investments to support University activities, saving the principal to gain interest in perpetuity. Indiana State University Foundation’s endowment funds are professionally invested and monitored by the Finance Committee of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors. The committee sets policies and reviews the fund activity, including disbursements made for program expenses. An endowed gift provides an outstanding legacy for any person giving to Indiana State University.
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Can I give to my favorite department or program? Absolutely! The designation of your gift rests entirely in your hands. Simply indicate the name of the department, program, or scholarship on the memo line of your check or on your gift form. You’re not sure what the name of the program is? No problem, give us a call and we can help answer any question you might have and let you know the areas of greatest need for the University. The ISU Foundation gift processing staff will ensure that your contribution reaches the proper area.
[Top of the page] Can I make a gift for buildings or facilities? Many buildings and facilities, such as libraries, labs, and lecture halls on campus, are created from private donations from people just like you. Click on
Projects & Progress to see the current projects in in progress on campus. Our development staff can also help you discover facility needs in other departments. Another great way to improve campus facilities is to make a contribution to a department or college to assist in purchasing equipment or supplies needed in that discipline.
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Can I make a pledge of support? Yes, pledges of future gifts to the Indiana State University Foundation can be paid in monthly, quarterly or annual installments. You may make a pledge through our annual fund, or contact our development staff to assist you.
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What if I want my gift to be anonymous? The ISU Foundation understands and respects your desire to remain anonymous to the full extent allowed under Indiana’s Public Records Act. At the time of your donation, please indicate that you do not wish for your name to appear in any form of public recognition; however, the ISU Foundation does enjoy publicizing its donors in an effort to recognize their generosity, and inform others of the increasing importance of supporting higher education.
[Top of the page] Can I make a gift in memory of someone? Definitely, the ISU Foundation is happy to facilitate your generous acts on behalf of others. Many donors contribute funds to honor a loved one or a special individual. If you would like to make your gift in honor or memory of another person, just provide the ISU Foundation specific details on your gift form. If you make a gift in memory of someone who has passed away, the Foundation will notify the family of your gift. In the case of a gift in honor of someone, we will notify the honoree unless you request anonymity. The notification that is sent includes the donor’s name and address only, not the amount of their contribution.
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What is the difference between restricted and unrestricted gifts? Restricted gifts are set aside for specific purposes chosen by you, such as endowed scholarships or facility support. See the above sections for more information on the numerous opportunities you have to designate your gift. Conversely, unrestricted gifts provide a funding source for ISU to send where it is most needed on our campus. This support provides funds for equipment, recruitment, faculty support, and other opportunities that enhance the academic experience for all of our students and the ISU community as a whole. Although both restricted and unrestricted gifts are welcome, unrestricted gifts are of critical importance because they allow the University to provide funding in the areas of greatest need to meet unexpected challenges, take advantage of unique opportunities, and meet the many day-to-day expectations of higher education.
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How should I make out my check? Gifts to Indiana State University may be made through the Indiana State University Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public-benefit organization that raises and manages private support for Indiana State University. Checks should be made out to the “Indiana State University Foundation.” Please indicate the fund name, department, or purpose for which the donation is intended in the memo section. Mail checks to to 320 Gillum Hall, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809. Please call the ISU Foundation main office at (800) 242-1409 with any questions.
[Top of the page] Are all gifts to the Indiana State University Foundation tax-deductible? Gifts to the Indiana State University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax attorney or financial advisor to determine if your gift is tax-deductible.
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Are my gifts to Sycamore Athletics tax-deductible?
Gifts to Sycamore Athletics linked to seating preferences for basketball games or other sports events are 85% tax-deductible. These are restrictions implemented by the Internal Revenue Service. Please consult your tax attorney or financial advisor to determine the extent to which your gift is tax-deductible.
[To of the page] How do I get tax credit for my charitable donation? As soon as the ISU Foundation receives your gift, we place it in the fund you have designated. A gift receipt is mailed to you for tax-preparation purposes within the same week your gift is made. If you do not receive a formal acknowledgement within three weeks, please contact the Foundation at (800) 242-1409. This gift receipt should be used as a guideline for your tax-preparation purposes. Please contact your tax attorney or financial advisor to determine instructions and proper tax credits available to you for your gift.
[Top of the page] Can I receive a tax deduction for the equipment or supplies I give to the University? Yes you can! If you donate equipment and/or supplies, which are referred to as a gift-in-kind, you will receive a contribution receipt for items given and recognition for the estimated value for those gifts. You must submit documentation through a receipt, invoice, or other appraisal instrument at the time the gift-in-kind occurs in order to establish a value for the donated items. The donation value provided by the ISU Foundation is to be used as a guideline only. Please contact your tax attorney or financial advisor to determine the extent to which your gift-in-kind is tax deductible.
[Top of the page] Is there someone with whom I can discuss my interest in giving to the ISU Foundation? The staff of the Indiana State University Foundation is knowledgeable, discreet, and happy to assist you in any way possible. Please contact a development officer in your area of interest for more information about giving opportunities, or call the ISU Foundation’s main office at (800) 242-1409. We are here to answer any questions that you may have.
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