15 Questions & Answers For Faculty & Staff about The Wittenberg Fund
1. What is the Wittenberg Fund?
The Wittenberg Fund is the sustaining fund that provides financial support for virtually every purpose and function of the Wittenberg learning community. Contributions provide sustaining support for academic, scholarship, cultural and athletic programs; faculty retention and recruitment; campus renewal and beautification; and other department programs and initiatives.
2. Why are philanthropic gifts important to the university?
The University has two primary sources of revenue: tuition and gift income. Philanthropic gifts equal approximately $6 million of our revenue in an average non-campaign year. As recently as Fiscal Year 2001-2002 (our most recent campaign), the total giving was in excess of $16 million. The more our donors, alumni and friends give, the better we are able to maintain salaries, facilities and tuition at competitive levels.
3. What portion of that total is the Wittenberg Fund?
For the past several years, The Wittenberg Fund has contributed approximately $2.3 million annually toward the overall operations of the university, which provides support for scholarships, salaries, programs and equipment. Other sources include estate gifts, grants and various other gifts restricted for particular programs or purposes.
4. What is the goal for this year’s Wittenberg Fund?
The Wittenberg Fund goal for Fiscal year 2007-2008 is set at $2,530,575, a $300,000 (13%) increase over last year’s actual performance.
5. What does the fund do?
Most Witt Fund gifts are unrestricted (that is, not designated for a specific purpose) and are added to the general fund to support the university operating budget. Those gifts which are restricted for a particular purpose (e.g.: scholarships or a particular program) are used to offset the expenses and costs related to that particular budgeted activity.
6. Can I designate where my gift goes and for what purposes it is used?<
Absolutely! It is your money and you have every right to designate how it will be used or for what purposes. We recognize that many of our alumni want their Witt Fund donation to make a difference in the programs and projects that are most important to them.
7. Who benefits from the Wittenberg Fund?
Well, in reality, we all do. The Wittenberg Fund helps fill the university coffers that provide salaries, benefits, scholarships, facilities, equipment and the many academic, cultural and athletic programs we all enjoy. To paraphrase John F. Kennedy, The Wittenberg Fund is a significant part of the rising financial tide that lifts all boats.
8. Who gives to the Wittenberg Fund?
While gifts may come from any number of sources, the primary sources of gifts include individuals, church organizations, congregations, community organizations, local businesses, corporations and foundations. Gifts from individual donors are traditionally the largest source and those gifts come mostly from alumni, parents, board members, friends, faculty and staff.
9. What about the Wittenberg Board of Directors? How much do they give?
It is very important to note that our board members have traditionally taken a very strong role in leading individual giving and in securing gifts from business and foundation sources. Last fiscal year, our trustees gave over $300,000 to Wittenberg with an average gift of over $11,000!
10. How much do faculty and staff donate?
It may be surprising to note that over the years, faculty and staff gifts total well into the millions of dollars ($7.25M). Then again, maybe that is not all that surprising. Many of us share a deep love and appreciation for Wittenberg and invest in the mission with equal passion. Obviously, our faculty and staff are not expected to make gifts on par with outside or private sector giving. Yet, our faculty and staff have consistently made significant contributions to The Wittenberg Fund and special campaigns.
11. Why is it important for me to give?
One of the most compelling reasons is that your gifts help bring more dollars to campus, benefitting the entire campus community.
If you have ever enjoyed attending a theater or musical performance, academic lecture, or athletic contest, you have received benefit from the Wittenberg Fund. If you, your children have used the HPERC, the credit union or the library; or had equipment, research materials, or computers purchased for your program or department, you have benefitted. If you, your spouse or your children ever attended classes or receive medical, dental, or retirement benefits, the Wittenberg Fund helps to pay those and much more.
12. Am I expected to make a donation?
We hope you will make a gift at the level of your ability and comfort, but this is a voluntary decision you must make. We ask only that you give the matter your serious attention and due consideration in light of the facts we have presented and the benefits you enjoy. Some can give only a few dollars, others can and do give thousands. Decide what is right for you and help us make Wittenberg better for us all by making a gift to the Wittenberg Fund!
13. How can I give to the Wittenberg Fund?
There are a number of easy ways to give!
Acquire the payroll deduction form Human Resources.
You can make a gift by credit or debit card online by visiting our secure giving page: Online giving.
Checks may be sent to: The Wittenberg Fund
Wittenberg University
134 West Ward Street
Springfield , OH 45504-0720
14. Does my little gift really matter?
YES! Every gift, no matter the size, is important to the overall effort. It is a greatly under-appreciated fact that we influence others by our acts of kindness, compassion and charity. Quite often, it is the smaller, sacrificial gift that inspires greater contributions from others. No great effort is achieved without the participation of many-- and often in relation to the witnessed action of others.
15. Is there someone who can answer my questions about the Wittenberg Fund?
Absolutely! Please contact the Wittenberg Fund office by phone: (937) 327-7419 or email: wittfund@wittenberg.edu. We will be happy to answer your questions and be of any possible assistance. We will also provide presentations and materials for your whole department or gatherings. Please let us know how we can better serve your need for information and understanding of this issue important to us all.