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Collaborative Endowments FAQ


An endowment might be viewed as a savings account for the University. An endowed fund’s principal is maintained with only the earned interest spent. An endowment is a permanent legacy to one’s alma mater. It provides funding to the donor’s area of interest in perpetuity since the primary investment is never spent. The minimum amount required to create an endowment at WKU is $10,000.

Ready to make a contribution to a Mahurin Honors College collaborative endowment? You have multiple payment options.

The simplest way to make a gift is online by clicking this link, then by searching the collaborative endowment in which you wish to donate.

You may also write a check to the WKU Foundation, designating which collaborative endowment in which you wish to give.

When you itemize your deductions, your gifts of cash may be deducted on your federal income tax return. Amounts up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income may be deducted during the year of the gift, with any excess deductions carried forward for up to five additional years. Your actual savings depend on your tax rate and other factors. Generally, the higher the tax rate, the greater your savings. Cash gifts are considered transferred on the date they are hand-delivered or mailed. For example, although a year-end gift might not be received until January, it is still deductible for the previous year if it has a December postmark.

The WKU Alumni Association uses different naming conventions than we do in some cases. We have streamlined our names to try and reduce the amount of confusion on both parties' ends. If any time you have a question about designations, please reach out to Caitlin Greenwell, coordinator of constituent relations, by emailing caitlin.greenwell@wku.edu or calling 270-745-3020.
We prefer that donors who wish to participate in this campaign secure their spot with a naming opportunity in the new building, and support the creation of an endowment, only pledge to a single designation. Of course, each situation is unique, and we welcome a conversation with you to further discuss your plans.

Matching gifts are a great way to maximize personal contributions to the University. Your entire gift — your contribution and your employer's match — qualifies you for membership in our annual giving levels. In addition, your company's match is applied directly to the same designated areas as your gift. Contact your company's human resources office to confirm if they offer a matching gift program.

More information on matching gifts can be found here: http://matchinggifts.com/wku

Yes, if you give at least $1,000 total to a collaborative endowment of your choice, your name will appear in the corresponding room within the Honors College/International Center.

Yes, you are able to pledge less than $1,000 total to a collaborative endowment. While the money donated will go toward the initiative designated, please keep in mind you will not reach the giving level in which your name will appear in the Honors College/International Center.

We are here to help! Contact Caitlin Greenwell, coordinator of constituent relations, by emailing caitlin.greenwell@wku.edu or calling 270-745-3020.



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 Last Modified 9/22/21