Why should I give to Wayne State?
Financial support from alumni, corporations, foundations and other friends of Wayne State University strengthens our academic and research enterprises and helps continue our contributions to the quality of life in Michigan and around the world. Private gifts also keep us competitive and help enhance the reputation of this institution.

Why is Wayne State University in a campaign at this time?
Wayne State University has a long history of fund-raising to maintain the high quality of its academic programs. But if we are to remain a leader among the nation’s public universities, we must attract increasing support from those who believe in our ability to transform the lives of students and contribute positively to society. In an era of decreasing state appropriations, private gifts are essential to our ability to excel. While private dollars do not replace other revenue, they are a catalyst for the extraordinary. Private gifts help provide the resources essential for the university to set ever higher standards in academic achievement, pioneering research and community service. The success of Wayne First: the Campaign for Wayne State University will ensure that this institution continues its outstanding record in scholarship and research, supports superlative instruction in every school and college, and enriches its outreach to Southeastern Michigan and beyond.

What is the campaign’s fund-raising goal?
The Wayne State University Board of Governors has set a campaign goal of $500 million.

How do I make a gift to Wayne State University?
You can make an online gift at the Web site listed below or you can contact the Office of University Development at (313) 577-2275 or toll-free at (877) 978-4438.
https://www.alumniconnections.com/donate/wsu/donate.html

How should I make out a check to Wayne State University and where should I send it?
Checks should be made out to: Wayne State University. You can mail your gift to the following address:
Wayne State University Fund Office
5475 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202

Can I make a gift with my credit card?
Yes. We accept Master Card and Visa. You can make your gift online at the Web site listed below or you can contact the Office of University Development at (313) 577-2275 or toll-free at (877) 978-4438.
https://www.alumniconnections.com/donate/wsu/donate.html

Is it possible to have my gift matched?
Yes, if your employer has a matching gift program. Your employer may match certain employee contributions to nonprofit institutions, such as Wayne State University. This could double or triple your investment in higher education. Check with your personnel office or human resources department to see if your employer has a matching gift program.

How can I make a gift to Wayne State through my estate?
Your will can specify that a certain amount or percentage of your estate will be given to Wayne State University after your lifetime. Your bequest can be designated to benefit a specific college, school or program, to faculty endowment or scholarships, or it can be unrestricted and used where it is needed most. We encourage you to share your final will provision with the Office of Planned Giving to ensure that your wishes will be properly followed and recognized. Please contact the Planned Gifts staff at (313) 577-6481 or (877) 978-4438 to plan for your bequest.
http://giving.wayne.edu/plannedgifts.php

Are there other ways to make a non-cash gift to Wayne State University?
There are many ways to give to Wayne State University, including a bequest in a trust, a life-income gift, a gift of retirement fund assets, a gift of life insurance, a gift of appreciated assets and through charitable lead trusts. Other assets that may make gifts while saving you in taxes include closely held stock, business practices, partnerships, contracts, leases, royalties and patents. Careful planning can maximize the positive effects of outright contributions such as appreciated securities, life insurance policies, real estate and gifts of personal property, as well as deferred gifts such as bequests, testamentary trusts and life income trusts. Please contact the Office of University Development at (313) 577-2275 or toll-free at (877) 978-4438 to discuss your gift.

How do I make a gift of stock?
Publicly traded stocks make an excellent gift and can easily be transferred to Wayne State University. Stock gifts may be transferred to the university electronically, broker-to-broker or the actual certificates of stock may be mailed or hand-delivered. Actual stock certificates must be properly endorsed and accompanied by a signed Notice of Stock Power. To initiate an electronic stock transfer, you should contact your broker to direct the transfer to Wayne State University. You must provide your broker with the university’s brokerage account information and DTC number. Please contact the Fund Office at (313) 577-2263 for this information.

May I make a named or memorial gift?
Of course. Donors can create named scholarships or name programs or departments. A school or college in the university may be named after a donor or as a memorial gift. In addition, endowed faculty positions may be named. Wayne State University holds endowed gift in perpetuity. Endowed gifts are invested, and only part of their average annual investment return is used for the purpose specified by the donor. Each gift designated as an endowment is a source of permanent financial support, and a donor who creates an endowed gift is assured that it will grow and continue to support Wayne State University. Endowments are one of the most lasting and meaningful ways to make a difference in the life of the university. You will have the satisfaction of honoring a friend, relative or the family name while helping to secure the future of Wayne State University. Please contact the Office of University Development at (313) 577-2275 or toll-free at (877) 978-4438 for more information.

Wayne State University is a state-supported institution. Why is it seeking private gifts?
We at Wayne State University are profoundly concerned about keeping student tuition and fees as low as possible. But the costs of attending any American college or university are steadily increasing – even as state support is declining. With your financial support, tuition stays as low as possible and the university can provide the financial assistance needed to recruit the most qualified students.

Can I specify how my gift is to be used?
Certainly. Many people show their appreciation for a favorite professor or program by supporting a specific department or area of the university. Wayne State University is committed to carrying out the wishes of its donors. You can be assured that your contribution will go to that designation unless you decide to change it. A member of our development staff would be happy to discuss how and where you would like to designate your gift. You can contact us at the Office of University Development at (313) 577-2275 or toll-free at (877) 978-4438.

I give to only one program at Wayne State. Can I still support that program with my campaign contribution?
Wayne State University always respects the wishes of its donors. While unrestricted gifts are the most versatile because they allow funds to be directed to the greatest area of need, every part of Wayne State University is involved in this campaign. Every college and school is looking for support, allowing you to give to the program of your choice. You may also designate your gift to more than one area. Please contact the Office of University Development at (313) 577-2275 or toll-free at (877) 978-4438 to discuss designating a gift to a particular program.

If I make a pledge to the university, how many years do I have to fulfill it?
Donors have five years from the date of their pledge to fulfill it.

Why is alumni support so important?
Financial support from alumni of Wayne State University strengthens our academic and research enterprises and helps continue our contributions to the quality of life in Michigan and around the world. Private gifts also keep us competitive and help enhance the reputation of the university.

How will my donation be used?
Gifts may be designated to specific areas or they can be unrestricted. Some donors give to strengthen the university’s academic and research resources or to support the addition or renewal of infrastructure. By improving academic and student programs, as well as teaching and research facilities, private gifts enhance the university’s ability to recruit high-caliber students and talented faculty.

Will my gift be recognized?
Yes, donors will be recognized in a variety of ways, depending on the size of the gift. Donors may remain anonymous at their request.

Is my contribution to the campaign tax deductible?
Yes. Contributions to Wayne State University are tax deductible in accordance with federal law. You will be provided an authorized receipt for tax recording purposes.

Are gifts that I have made since the beginning of the campaign counted as part of my campaign pledge?
Every gift received since October 1, 2001 will be counted toward Wayne First: The Campaign for Wayne State University.

How does Wayne First: The Campaign for Wayne State University differ from Wayne State University’s normal fund-raising activities?
Our normal fund-raising seeks support for our students, faculty and facilities. Wayne First: The Campaign for Wayne State University is distinctive in that it allows us to focus on specific goals. The entire campus community is working together to reach our goals.

As an employee of the university, I contribute to its success every day. Why should I also contribute to the campaign?
Wayne State University is our present and our future. Your contribution will help support our students and build on our achievements, creating promising futures for our students. We work here every day, and as faculty and staff we know better than anyone how well our gifts can be put to use across campus and beyond.

What if I can’t contribute a “major” gift?
Each and every gift to Wayne State University is important. While a few individuals, companies and foundations will provide lead gifts, it will take the involvement and support of everyone to ensure a successful campaign. Even small gifts can make a big difference to the university. In addition, many corporations and foundations use alumni giving participation as a determining factor in deciding whether to fund grant requests.

How does the university recognize its donors?
Because private support supplies the critical margin that enables Wayne State University both to excel in its educational mission and to enhance its public service, the university honors individuals, couples, corporations and foundations through annual giving clubs and cumulative giving recognition society levels. The Web site listed below has a full description of the giving programs at Wayne State University.
http://giving.wayne.edu/recogprogs.php
For more information, call (313) 577-2275.