Thanks to the power of private giving, students in the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering & Technology are conducting world-class research in robotics and artificial intelligence.Recent graduate Heather Biggs, BSCS ’04, was a member of the RoBocats, a team of students who work year-round to develop robots that play soccer autonomously.
The RoboCup project, supported by alumni gifts as well as NASA, Ohio University’s 1804 Fund, and the Russ College, integrates computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
Having an immediate influence on Ohio University is as easy as making an annual gift, ensuring your company makes a matching gift, or establishing an endowment.
Annual gifts provide a constant stream of flexible income that makes the difference between a good education and a great one. Your gifts support increased student aid, faculty research and creative activities; the purchase of books, equipment and new technology; and enhanced academic, extra-curricular and athletic programming.
Thank you Alumni! From the Ohio University Phonathon:
Ohio University’s annual giving program raises private gifts on behalf of the University’s 10 academic colleges and other major units such as Athletics, University Libraries, the Voinovich School, and Student Affairs. Utilizing the National Phonathon, direct mail, online giving, and corporate matching programs, gifts are solicited from alumni, parents, and friends of Ohio University.
Join our giving societies Individuals are invited to join any one of our giving societies by making an annual charitable gift to the University. Ohio University provides special recognition to its annual giving society members in appreciation of their consistent dedication and commitment to the mission and founding principles of the institution - teaching, research, and service. Membership is open to all alumni, parents, and friends of Ohio University.
Personal gifts to educational institutions made by employees, retirees, and their family members may be matched by businesses and corporations.
The brainchild of Philip Reed, former chair of the GE Board of Directors, matching gifts were designed to encourage employees to contribute to their alma maters. Reed believed the incentive to contribute was greater if the company matched the employee’s gift. The GE “matching gift” program was launched in 1954. Since that time, employers and their employees have contributed more than $2 billion to education thanks to corporate matching gift programs. Today, matching gifts are an important source of funds for educational institutions. They also are an increasingly important way for companies to allow employees to direct a portion of the monies earmarked for charitable contribution.
How to make a matching gift contribution
Gift Matching procedures can vary from company to company. The following example is typical:
·An employee gets a matching gift form from the employer, usually from the human resources department.
·After completing the form, the employee sends it along with the donation to Ohio University.
·The University certifies on the form that it has received the gift and meets the company’s guidelines for receiving a matching gift.
·The University returns the form to the company.
·The company verifies eligibility of the employee and gift recipient and sends a check to Ohio University.
Contact your employer's human resource office for more information, or call 800.592.FUND.
Endowment gifts
Endowments create the foundation upon which universities build lasting financial strength and ensure academic quality. Once in place, endowments provide permanent support for teaching and research, student aid, and an abundance of other academic programs and activities.
With a minimum $15,000 commitment, you can create an endowment that will bear your name – or the name of someone you wish to honor. Donors have two years to bring a fund to the endowed level. Based on The Ohio University Foundation’s spending policy, four (4) percent of the endowment’s total value will be made available for expenditure each year (e.g. $600 from a $15,000 endowment). These dollars can support scholarships, equipment and software upgrades, student research, and more. Distribution of funds will be subject to a specific set of guidelines formulated by The Ohio University Foundation in conjunction with you, the donor.
Multi-year pledge payment schedules can be arranged. More information…
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