General FAQ
Q. Why should I give to the University of Oregon?
People give to the University of Oregon for different reasons. Some give out of fondness for the university or their department. Others know the value of an Oregon degree and want our university to remain one of the best in the nation. And others give because they realize that their education was supported by private donors and they feel a duty and desire to support current students.
Q. But I thought the university was a state school. Don't my tax dollars already support the university?
Yes, your tax dollars are important to the university, but less than 6% of the university's budget comes from state support. Funding from the state of Oregon has been steadily declining for decades. Furthermore, tuition does not entirely cover the remaining costs to operate the university. The financial support of Oregon's alumni, parents and friends are essential to make up this shortfall.
Q. The University of Oregon already has lots of money, why give more?
The university is financially stable because generations of Ducks have given back to their alma mater. The university is able to continue its tradition of excellence and to provide more opportunities, not only because of past gifts, but because of new ones. Duck graduates make contributions in business, music, education, and the arts, just to name a few. A gift to the university supports the people and programs that enrich our communities and our world.
Q. How much should I give to the University of Oregon?
Any gift, regardless of the size, makes a difference in the lives of Oregon students. For example, a gift of $8,883 covers a full year's tuition and fees for an instate student while $1,000 enables a graduate student to present his/her research at a conference and $100 can help a student purchase required text books. For your convenience we accept one-time gifts and reoccurring credit card gifts. If you have more questions, please contact us.
Q. Is my gift to the University of Oregon tax-deductible?
A. Yes, gifts to the University of Oregon are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. You will receive a printed receipt for your records. Please contact your tax professional for further details.
Q. I understand that many companies will match my gift to the University of Oregon. How can I find out if my employer will match my gift and how do I go about it?
More than 7,500 companies nationwide will match employees' gifts (including, in many cases, those of retirees or spouses) to the University of Oregon. To find out if your employer will match your gift, contact your Human Resources department. You can also go here to check if your employer will match your gift. Once you have the matching gift form from your company, please mail it with your gift to the University. We'll handle the rest!
President's Society FAQ
Q. What is the President's Society?
The President's Society is the University of Oregon's donor appreciation society. It was established to thank and recognize our leadership annual gift donors through a series of special events, exclusive communications and connection to the university leadership and other donors.
Q. Who joins the President's Society?
Membership is extended to recent graduates who make annual gifts of $500 -$2499 and all other donors who make gifts of $2,500 or more. Matching gifts from a corporation, foundation, or organization designated in your name also count toward recognition as a President's Society member. Learn more about joining the President's Society.
Q. What benefits are available to members of the President's Society?
President's Society receive special donor courtesies in recognition of their generosity. They are invited each year to meet renowned university scholars, special guests, and university leaders as well as other influential community members. They also receive a special communications from the president's office so they're kept abreast of university news.
Q. When does my membership take effect? When do I need to renew my gift?
Your membership takes effect on the day your cumulative giving reaches the President's Society level (see above). New members receive a welcome packet the month when their membership becomes effective. Didn't receive your welcome packet? Contact the President's Society.
Q. My spouse/partner and I donate jointly to the university. Which one of us is a member of the President's Society?
You both are! President's Society membership is extended to both spouses and partners when one or both individuals reach a cumulative President's Society giving level.
Q. I have made a planned gift (bequest etc.) to the university and am a member of the Arnold Bennett Hall Society. How does that differ from the President's Society?
Named for the university's fifth president, the Arnold Bennett Hall Legacy Society honors those who have made planned gifts to the university through their trust or estate.
President's Society members are honored for their annual leadership gifts. Annual gifts are critical for the financial stability of the university. They fund existing programs, scholarships and educational innovation.
Faculty and Staff FAQ
Q. Why should I give to the university when I work here?
Giving is a personal decision and each person who gives has their own answer to that question. We have the privilege of working with students on a daily basis. In addition to our daily contributions of energy and effort, we also have the opportunity to do something extra to show that we are invested in the success of our university and our students.
Tuition and state funding do not cover the entire cost to educate a student. Without the support of faculty and staff members, students would not have great things like updated technology or resources. Faculty and staff gifts reach beyond their own dollar amount and encourage alumni, business and others to make gifts of their own. Making a gift, no matter the size, is just another way to show your support of our university. After all, It's Our Oregon and we have the opportunity to make it even better.
Q. Can I support a specific program or department on campus?
Yes! You can designate your gift to any school, college, department, or academic program on campus that is important to you. If you want to support more than one area on campus, simply indicate those choices on your giving form. Many faculty and staff chose to support scholarships so that more students can receive an Oregon education. Others give to the Library because it is a resource used by every student on campus.
Q. What is It's Our Oregon? Is that the only time of year I can give?
It's Our Oregon is a time during the year when faculty and staff are encouraged to make a gift. During this time, department volunteers help to educate their colleagues about the importance of giving. While many faculty and staff choose to give during this initiative, gifts are welcome year-round and make a difference no matter when they are given.
Q. How does payroll deduction work?
Payroll deduction is one of the fastest, easiest and most convenient ways to make a gift. When you complete the payroll deduction form, you can specify the amount you would like automatically deducted from each paycheck, the start date, and how you'd like your gift to be used. Each month you'll see confirmation of your gift on the deductions portion of your paystub.
Q. Can I make a gift jointly with my spouse/partner?
Yes! You can make a joint gift if your spouse/partner is an employee, an alumnus, or simply wants to participate in supporting the University of Oregon. Simply include his or her information when you make your gift.
Q. What if my spouse/partner works for a company with a matching gifts program?
Your gift may double or even triple if your spouse or partner's company has a matching gifts program. Please ask your spouse or partner to check with his or her human resources department for program specifics and paperwork or look here for a list of employers with gift matching programs and complete instructions.
Q. I've already made a gift this year, will it count toward It's Our Oregon?
Yes, any gift to any area of the university made since July 1st counts.
Q. I graduated from the university. Will my gift count toward alumni participation?
Yes! Your gift counts even more because it counts as both faculty/staff participation AND alumni participation. Foundations and US News and world Report both use participation when considering the university for funding and rankings.
Q. How can I make a gift?
Making a gift is quick and easy. If you would like to participate in the payroll deduction program, simply contact Donelle Manton in the office of Annual Giving to get started. Or, if you prefer to make a credit card gift, you are welcome to use our online donation page.
Q. I have other questions that aren't answered on this website, who can I contact?
Find your faculty-staff giving contact or contact Donelle Manton in the office of Annual Giving.
Direct Mail and DuckCall FAQ
Q. Who is making the phone calls that I receive about the University of Oregon?
A. Currently enrolled University of Oregon students who are very knowledgeable about campus. We give students valuable work experience, the opportunity to build communication skills, and a chance to get to know Duck alumni while giving you a chance to stay in contact with the University of Oregon. Meet the Callers!
Q. What are you calling on behalf of?
The Annual Giving Program calls for every school, college and academic program of UO as well as the Parents Fund and the UO Libraries.
Q. I give when I receive a call or mail from my school or college. Is that different from the Annual Giving Program?
No, it's not different. The Annual Giving Program contacts you on behalf of your college or school. So, when you give by phone or mail, you're giving back directly to the school, college or program of your choice.
Q. I have degrees from both the College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences. Can I make gifts to both colleges at the same time?
A. Regardless of how you are contacted, please feel free to make all of your gifts at the same time - just make a note on the gift or pledge form indicating how you would like your annual gift to be allocated. Or go to our online giving page and select the area (or areas) you wish to support.
Q. I made a gift in June and you are asking me to make another and it's only November. I thought this was the Annual Giving Program.
A. The University of Oregon fundraising year coincides with the University's school year: July 1 - June 30. Typically, alumni are asked to make their annual gift beginning in July or August. Please make your gift at a time that is most convenient for you. You can also make your gift online at any time or you can request to be contact only at a specific time of the year.
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