Donors and Gifts at Central Michigan University

| Annual University Campaign : Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the university asking me for money?
Central Michigan University is a non-profit organization. Like other non-profit institutions, CMU asks its employees to be the first in line to make a philanthropic investment to the causes they are working toward.

Is this the United Way campaign?
No, this is not the United Way campaign. While the programs overlap, they are separate solicitations that support different programs.

Am I free to designate my gift to any program on campus?
Yes. For exact account numbers, please contact the department you would like to donate to. However, please keep in mind, according to the IRS, you cannot make a tax-deductible gift to an account that you directly benefit from. For example, a faculty member cannot donate to their professional development account and claim a deduction for that gift.

What is the definition of a gift that can be deducted?
According to the IRS, donations made to a specific individual, or set aside for use by a specific person, are not charitable deductions.

A charitable contribution is a donation of a gift to, or for the use of, a qualified organization. It is voluntary and is made without getting, or expecting to get, anything of commensurate value. Contributions that can be deducted are gifts to qualified organizations and not set aside for use by a specific person. Contributions that cannot be deducted include gifts to a specific individual. This includes gifts to a qualified organization if you indicate your donation is for a specific person.

What do I need to do to have my donation paid through payroll deduction?
Call Nicole Cripps (x7152) in the Development & Alumni Relations office. Nicole will be more than happy to walk you through the process.

How does the university match work?
CMU will match all gifts and pledges made during the Annual University Campaign. All donations, regardless of the size, will be matched at 50 cents for each dollar donated. Contributions designated to all university accounts will be matched, with the exception of the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government, or tickets to university events.

Why did the university change the formula for the match?
With the university struggling with budgetary issues, why is the university offering a match?
President Rao recognizes that this long-standing program has a tremendous influence on faculty, staff and retiree decisions to make a gift during the AUC. With that in mind, he decided to change the formula the match has previously used, while continue to use the match as encouragement to increase private support among faculty, staff and retirees.

Where does the university match come from?
The university match is funded through the General Fund.

How do I claim the university match?
All contributions made during the Annual University Campaign, or pledges made during the campaign period and fulfilled by June 30, 2007 will automatically be included in the match. You do not need to do anything other than make sure your pledge or gift is made between October 16 and December 8.

When will the university match be made?
The university makes the transfer of funds after the end of the fiscal year.

Why doesn’t the university match gifts during this fiscal year?
The distribution is made after the end of the fiscal year, and is funded from the previous year end balance of the general fund.

Will the university match be included in determining my giving level?
University funds cannot be used in determining giving levels for recognition societies, including the President's Circle, Bell Tower Society, and Chippewa Club.

I’m already on payroll deduction. What do I need to do to make my Annual University Campaign gift?
If you currently give to the university through payroll deduction, you do not need to do anything unless you wish to change the amount of designation of your gift.

What is the Michigan Tax Credit?
The State of Michigan provides a tax credit on gifts to universities. Married couples who file a joint return may receive a $200 credit for gifts to CMU over $400.

What is the President’s Circle?
The President’s Circle is CMU’s recognition society for donors who annually contribute $500 or more. Over 2,000 donors are recognized each year as members of the President’s Circle. All members are listed in the yearly Honor Roll of Donors, receive invitations to members-only events, and are informed of campus happenings through the bi-annual Members Update newsletter.