Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about giving to the Campaign for UMUC? Review the frequently asked questions below.
- What is the goal and how long will the campaign run?
- Why is private support necessary for a public institution?
- Why do UMUC students need private support through scholarships?
- How does a campaign differ from the university’s usual fund-raising activities?
- What are the priorities of the Campaign for UMUC?
- Can a donor request how their gift is to be used?
- How can someone make a gift to the campaign?
- Do campaign gifts need to be paid at once?
- Are campaign gifts tax-deductible?
- How will donors be recognized?
- Do all gifts count in the campaign?
What is the goal and how long will the campaign run?
The campaign goal is $26 million. The campaign was announced on July 1, 2004 and runs through June 30, 2011.
Why is private support necessary for a public institution?
UMUC is a public institution that receives a small portion of its overall operating budget from the State of Maryland. Most of UMUC’s funding comes from tuition revenue, with a small portion coming from private support. Over the years, UMUC has not experienced a substantial increase in state funding. Private support must be sought to provide that margin of excellence in our programs as well as much-needed scholarship support; especially in these difficult economic times.
Why do UMUC students need private support through scholarships?
The UMUC student profile differs from the traditional college student in that:
- Median student age is 31 years old
- 90% of our students are working adults
- 57% are women
- 42% are under-represented minorities
- Almost 50% of our undergraduate students are first-in-family college students
- 65% are active-duty military, reserves, dependents or veterans
UMUC students balance full-time job responsibilities with full-time family commitments and a drive to secure their degree. Today, because of economic challenges, more students are faced with difficulties in paying for their education and every gift helps to ensure that students are able to pursue their dream of securing a degree.
How does a campaign differ from the university’s usual fund-raising activities?
The university seeks funding on an annual basis to support students, faculty and facilities. During a campaign, we seek support for specific, high-priority goals that are tied to our strategic plan and vision of the institution. It is also time-specific and creates urgency in identified areas of support.
What are the priorities of the Campaign for UMUC?
The specific priorities of the Campaign are:
- $14 million for scholarships and endowed chairs
- Community college transfer students
- Textbooks for active-duty military members
- Military spouses and family members
- Graduate students
- Working families
- Veterans
- Doctor of Management in Community College Policy and Administration students
- Low-income, working adults (BOTOE)
- Endowed chairs
- $8 million for UMUC’s art program and projects
- Leroy Merritt Center for the Art of Joseph Sheppard - $6 million
- Exhibition development and execution - $1 million
- Arts preservation endowed fund - $1 million
- $2 million for academic program support
- Degree audit project
- Student services, including mentor and tutoring programs
- Veteran support services
- STEM teacher certification
- Assessment initiatives
- Data mining projects
- $2 million for unrestricted support
Can a donor request how their gift is to be used?
Donors may support one of the funding priorities of the campaign or can choose to support a particular scholarship program, academic program or provide faculty support. Unrestricted funding is also equally important as it allows funds to be directed to the areas of greatest need.
How can someone make a gift to the campaign?
Gifts can be made in cash, stock and other assets or through one’s estate. UMUC also offers charitable gift annuities. Donors can make a gift online. Bequest intentions can also be counted if the donor is 65 years or older and can provide UMUC a copy of their will.
Do campaign gifts need to be paid at once?
Pledges for gifts of more than $10,000 can be paid in full over a three-year period.
Are campaign gifts tax-deductible?
Yes, contributions to the Campaign for UMUC are tax-deductible in accordance with federal standards. We provide authorized tax receipts for tax-recording purposes. All checks should be made payable to the University of Maryland University College Foundation.
How will donors be recognized?
Throughout the campaign and beyond, we will be diligent and energetic in our efforts to ensure all donors have a positive giving experience. We will continue to recognize donors through our giving societies and donor recognition events. There are also naming opportunities available. Please note that donors have the option of remaining anonymous.
Do all gifts count in the campaign?
All gifts received from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2011 count toward the campaign goal.
For more information, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement.