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. 

2.  Why are philanthropic gifts important to the university?

The University has three primary sources of revenue:  tuition, endowment earnings and gift income.  The more our donors, alumni, faculty, staff and friends give, the better we are able to maintain salaries, facilities and tuition at competitive levels.

                                                    

3. What does the fund do?

Most Witt Fund gifts are unrestricted and are added to the general fund to support the university operating budget.  Those gifts which are restricted for a particular purpose (e.g.: for a department or program) are used to offset the expenses and costs related to that particular budgeted activity. 

 

4.  Can I designate where my gift goes and for what purposes it is used?

Absolutely!  It is your money and you have the right to designate for what purposes it will be used.  We recognize that many of our faculty, staff and alumni want their Witt Fund donation to make a difference in the programs and projects that are most important to them. 

5.  What is the goal for this year’s Wittenberg Fund?

The Wittenberg Fund goal for Fiscal year 2008-2009 is set at $2,530,575. 

6.  How many people give to the Witt Fund?

Currently, over 150 faculty and staff members make contributions to the Witt Fund. Last year, faculty and staff contributed over $150,000 to the University!

7.  Who benefits from the Wittenberg Fund?

We all do!  The Wittenberg Fund supports salaries, benefits, scholarships, facilities, equipment and the many academic, cultural and athletic programs we all enjoy. 

8.  Is there really any benefit for me to make a gift?

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 or your children have used the HPERC or the library; or if you 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 also helps to pay for those benefits.

9.  Who gives to the Wittenberg Fund?

Gifts from individual donors are traditionally the largest source and those gifts come from alumni, parents, board members, friends, faculty and staff.

10.  What about the Wittenberg Board of Directors?  How much do they give?

Our board members have traditionally taken a very strong role in leading individual giving and in securing gifts from business and foundation sources.  This year, the Directors have contributed over $280,000 to the Witt Fund and more than $500,000 overall!!

11.  How much do faculty and staff donate?

Last year, the total from faculty and staff giving surpassed $100,000!  Faculty and staff gifts range from $1 to over $1000!  Many of us share a deep love and appreciation for Wittenberg and invest in the mission with equal passion. 

12.  Why is it important for me to give?

One of the most compelling reasons is that your gifts help bring more dollars to campus, which benefits the entire campus community.  Think of it from the standpoint of an outside donor or social investor—if the people closest to the mission support it, that is a good sign.

How can we ask our alumni, donors and friends to support our department, team or program if we are not willing to do so ourselves?

13.  Am I expected to make a donation?

We hope you will make a gift at the level of your ability, but this is a voluntary decision.  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!

14.  How can I give to the Wittenberg Fund?

There are a number of easy ways to give!  Many Faculty and Staff make regular gifts via payroll deduction (contact the Witt Fund or HR for a form).  You can also make secure online gifts by credit or debit card at: https://www.wittenberg.edu/www2/give/wittfund/.  Of course, checks or credit card payments can be made using a handy response envelope, available from the Wittenberg Fund.

15.  If I make a gift pledge or payroll deduction gift, can I change it later?

YES!  You can make changes to the amount, purpose (designation) or method of payment anytime.  We will always be happy to help you with any questions in this regard.

16.  Does my 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. 

17.  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.