What is annual giving?

The purpose of USM's annual giving program is to raise monies that help support the core functions of the University and enhance the educational experience for our more than 11,000 students.

Who decides where my gift is used?

You do! Every gift goes exactly where you designate. If you decide not to restrict your gift to a specific area, the University will apply those gifts to help fund University priorities.

What does annual giving support?

Your gifts support scholarships, academic programs, library acquisitions, and special programs such as arts, theater and USM's successful Division III athletics programs. Each dean and vice president also receives funds from the annual giving program to apply to priority projects, to promote scholarly development of faculty members, to sponsor student studies abroad, or to bring guest lecturers and programs to campus. In short, your gift allows our students to accomplish far more than could be achieved with state support and tuition payments alone.

Isn't USM supported by my tax dollars?

Yes, if you are a resident of Maine, but only partially. As a matter of fact, the support USM now receives from state government only covers 49 percent of operating costs. In reality, USM is a state-assisted school, but that assistance has steadily declined. State support has not kept pace with USM's significant enrollment and programmatic growth, making the support of alumni and friends more important than ever.

Does annual giving support student scholarships?

Absolutely! USM offers many scholarships to its students, more than 70 of which are solely sponsored by annual giving programs. Some scholarships are based solely on academic achievement, some focus on community involvement or professional promise, while others are based primarily on financial need. Most scholarships combine these elements in a meaningful way.

More than 350 scholarship awards are given to USM students annually thanks to gifts from alumni and friends to our annual giving program. Contributions may be made to all of the existing scholarships at USM and new scholarships can be created on an annual basis or through an endowment.

If I make a pledge when a student calls my home, does that count as my Annual Fund gift?

Yes. We ask that you fulfill your pledge as soon as possible so your gift may be put to immediate use. All pledges must be paid before June 30.

I made a donation in May, but received another call a few months later. Why?

The annual giving campaign runs from July 1 through June 30. Therefore, if a student calls you in October, and you made a donation the previous May or June, you may think you already gave a gift that year. But, in fact, a May or June donation counts for the previous fund year.

How much should I give?

The Annual Fund is comprised of gifts of all sizes and every gift is highly valued. When we ask for a gift, we usually suggest an amount for you to consider. In recent years, gifts to USM's Annual Fund have ranged from $1 to $50,000.

How much of my gift actually goes to USM?

The University of Maine System's policy requires that at least 98 percent of all money raised be spent for the purposes designated by the donor. In many cases, a full 100 percent is spent as the donor wishes. Even in the cases where USM does utilize 2 percent to offset development costs, we are well below the average administrative costs by not-for-profit organizations, which are typically 10-15 percent or higher.

Why do callers ask about my employment information?

The University and Alumni Relations Office are interested in knowing what alumni have done with their degrees. Not only is this information important to know as we evaluate and plan for the future, but we need your expertise and may call upon your experience and background to help current and future students.

Also, many employers match their employees gifts, so your gift to USM could be doubled or even tripled. We maintain a list of employers that match gifts so we may advise you to contact your employer to have your gift matched.

How can I increase the value of my gift?

Your employer may match your gifts for higher education. Some employers even double and triple it! For each gift or installment, ask your company's human resources office for a matching gift form, fill it out, and send it to USM with your check.

Does alumni participation matter?

Yes! It is a valuable measure of USM pride. The percentage of alumni who make annual gifts is also a factor in the financial support that USM receives from foundations.

Why should I give?

How do I make a gift?

• Through upcoming mail or phone campaigns on behalf of USM.
• Call with questions: (207) 228-8084 or e-mail emacey@usm.maine.edu