YOUR GENERATION SHAPED UM

It still does today. Keep UM at the forefront. Give to the University of Miami Annual Fund. As alumni, you can make a difference.

You played an important role in helping shape the University of Miami into the dynamic research institution it is today. Locally, nationally, and globally, the University of Miami has earned true distinction, as have you and your degree.

Comprising 14 schools and colleges, the University continues to help thousands of young men and women prepare for their future and realize their hopes and dreams. Your continued annual support is vital in ensuring these deserving students acquire a top-notch education. Moreover, by increasing your level of support, you will help provide even more essential funding for future generations.

Now is your chance to help a new generation follow your example and obtain a quality education. Give a gift that will help shape tomorrow’s leaders. Support the Annual Fund.

What is the Annual Fund?

What areas will my contributions aid?

Why are funds needed over and above the cost of tuition?

What size of gifts are needed?

How are Annual Fund solicitations conducted?

How are gifts acknowledged and recognized?

What are giving societies?

How do I give?

What about matching gift programs?

What is the Annual Fund?

A year-round fundraising effort that generates flexible funding for student scholarships and innovative academic programs, the Annual Fund provides a direct, reliable source of income throughout the year, every year. The fund helps purchase state-of-the-art computer and laboratory equipment; improve many campus facilities, resources, and services; and attract outstanding students and faculty members.

What areas will my contributions aid?

Gifts may be directed to all areas of the University. However, unrestricted gifts—that is, gifts given without condition—are the most useful, as they can be used for any University priority. Such gifts enable the president and deans to take advantage of opportunities to strengthen and enrich the UM educational experience, as they arise. These gifts also afford essential flexibility to meet unanticipated student needs immediately, without having to wait for the next budget cycle. Unrestricted gifts may be directed to the college or school of your choice.

Gifts for program enhancement, however, are those that are earmarked to support the work of faculty, students, or staff in a specific division or office. Such gifts may be directed toward the purchase of equipment or to assist in funding a research initiative.

The Annual Fund provides support to the University through many different channels, all focused on enhancing the student experience. Examples of that support include the provision of student scholarships, funding to underwrite the scholarly activities of faculty, the enhancement of student life inside the classroom and beyond, and support for values, ethics, and leadership training to mold students into the leaders they surely will become.

Why are funds needed over and above the cost of tuition?

Full tuition at UM pays only 81 percent of the actual annual cost of educating a student. In fiscal year 2000, 77 percent of University of Miami students received merit and/or need-based aid in the amount of $190 million, including $49 million in UM funds. This allows UM to compete with the finest universities in the country. Fundraising subsidizes the difference between tuition income and the actual cost, with the Annual Fund helping to fill the gap.

What size of gifts are needed?

Gifts of all sizes are needed. Gifts are votes of enthusiasm and appreciation for the education and experience that University of Miami offers. More importantly, each gift sets an example for, and inspires others to give, securing success for the UM community as it strives to meet the needs of students. Participation from significant numbers of alumni also will help attract grants from corporations and foundations. Every gift is important; the strength of the fund lies in the combined gifts from all University of Miami alumni.

How are Annual Fund solicitations conducted?

As the school year begins each year, a coordinated effort is made by staff, students, and volunteers to contact over 123,000 University of Miami alumni to support the Annual Fund. Staff and volunteer solicitations take place through direct mail, phone-a-thons, and personal solicitations. Many University of Miami alumni have multiple degrees, varied interests, or are married to an alumnus/a. Therefore, alumni may receive information regarding the need for support from more than one school or program of the Annual Fund.

How are gifts acknowledged and recognized?

All gifts to the University of Miami are acknowledged and are greatly appreciated. Gifts that qualify a donor for President’s Circle membership are recognized in a comprehensive honor roll of donors published annually in Miami magazine. Donors may also be recognized in other school or University publications.

Giving Levels

*extended to alumni who have graduated within the past ten years.

What are giving societies?

Annual giving societies at the University of Miami recognize those annual donors who have distinguished themselves in support of the University. The President’s Circle is the leadership giving society covering the entire University. Membership in any Annual Fund giving society is renewable annually, following the University’s fiscal year of June 1 through May 31. In some cases a single gift qualifies a donor for membership in more than one society—for example, a gift of $1,000 to scholarships for a particular school might qualify for membership both in the school’s society and the President’s Circle. Examples of other leadership giving societies include the Hurricane Club, Maestro Society, and Dean’s Business Forum.

How do I give?

There are a variety of options for making a gift to the Annual Fund, including the following:

Check:  Make your check payable to the University of Miami Annual Fund.

Credit Card:  The easiest way to make a gift or pay your pledge is by credit card. The University accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. To make your credit card gift or pledge payment, please call 305-284-2872 or send by mail to the University of Miami Annual Fund, Post Office Box 248002, Coral Gables, Florida, 33124-3410. Or, make a gift on-line at www.miami.edu/alumni/pledge.html. Designate your gift to the school, college, or program of your choice.

Gifts of Stock or Securities:  Many donors choose to make a gift of stock or appreciated securities, a choice that may have beneficial tax implications for you in addition to meeting your philanthropic goals. For more information, please call the University of Miami Annual Fund office at 305-284-2872.

What about matching gift programs?

Matching gift programs are a corporate-sponsored benefit that enables employees to double, triple, and even quadruple their gifts to the University. You also may be eligible if you are a retiree or if your spouse works for a matching gift company. Contact your human resources office for a matching gift form. For more information, please call the University of Miami Annual Fund office at 305-284-2872.

You may direct your Annual Fund gift to the college, school, or program of your choice:

The University of Miami’s fiscal year ends May 31.