There are several ways to support Fisk University. Each donor has his or her own distinct reason for
making a gift, and for that reason, various giving opportunities and designations exist. Moreover, because one's personal financial situation may change over time, gifts may take on various forms, from outright gifts of cash, to securities, or even tangible property like works of art. However you prefer to support the University, Fisk welcomes and appreciates your generosity. Give a one-time gift or schedule a recurring monthly donation.
For questions, such as the Universities tax ID#, contact Advancement Services at 615.329.8856.
Unrestricted Gifts
Unrestricted gifts are of great value to Fisk because of their flexibility. These gifts allow the University to allocate funds wherever the need is greatest and to take advantage of unique opportunities as they arise. Unrestricted gifts are typically used to offset costs associated with such things as financial aid, teaching innovations, research and equipment, and facilities. Your unrestricted gift will be expended during the fiscal year that you make the gift (Annual Fund).
Designated and Restricted Gifts
Gifts may also be designated to a specific program, group, or priority area at Fisk. These gifts allow the donor the satisfaction of supporting a program that has personal significance to him or her. Designated and restricted gifts may be labeled for current use or endowment, as well. Current use gifts provide funds in the short term and are expended during the fiscal year that you make the gift (Annual Fund), whereas endowment gifts are designed to provide financial security over a longer period of time.
Ways to Give
Whether by check, credit card, securities, real estate or personal property, your gift to Fisk University provides key support to students and faculty. Every gift counts, and we thank you!
Cash Contribution
Direct cash gifts are the most common form of giving and can be unrestricted or designated. Gifts through THE FISK FUND can be allocated to Fisk's greatest needs or can also be restricted to a specific project, program or department. All gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law.
If you wish to mail your gift, please send a check made out to Fisk University to:
Office of Advancement Services
Fisk University
1000 17th Ave. N.
Nashville, TN 37208
OIA@fisk.edu
Although not required, if you would like to print out a donation form to accompany your gift click here.
Matching Gifts
To find out if your company offers a gift-matching program, consult the database of matching gift companies. You can also ask your human resources department about your company's policy. You will probably need to fill out a form provided by your company, which your company will send to Fisk University. If your company offers matching gifts, please let us know at the time you make your gift.
If you give online, check the box next to " My company will match my gift" at the bottom of the donation page.
Credit Card and Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
You can also make your gift online 24 hours a day. Or if you prefer, you can call 615-329-8722 or 615-329-8856 during business hours; we'll process your gift securely. For security reasons, please do not leave your credit card information on voice mail or include it in an e-mail message.
Securities
Utilizing marketable securities in your gift planning process may prove tremendously valuable to both you and Fisk. When considering what to give or how to fulfill a pledge, stock that has appreciated in value can be a very appealing option. Gifting marketable securities may allow you avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation of the stock and allow you to receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock(s) gifted.
To make a gift to Fisk via marketable securities, please contact Ryan Arnez Monroe at Westfuller Advisors (347) 428-9074 or fisk@westfulleradvisors.com.
Planned Giving
Planned giving is the integration of personal, financial and estate planning objectives with philanthropic dreams and charitable goals. The idea is to maximize efficiency and enhance benefits as you support Fisk University. Planned giving consists of gifts made both during and after your lifetime, and includes (but not limited to) making gifts utilizing wills, trusts, life insurance, marketable securities, real estate, and IRA’s or retirement plan assets.
Bequests
Giving through your will in the form of a bequest is a popular planned gift strategy. Including Fisk as the beneficiary of your will may provide estate tax reduction and may allow you to make a more sizeable gift than you otherwise would have considered. As you plan your will, please consider making Fisk the beneficiary of part or all of your estate. Such gifts qualify for the unlimited charitable deduction at death and should be considered as a viable part of your overall estate planning process.
Get more information on including bequests in your gift planning, contact us for assistance.
Life Insurance
One way to greatly increase the value of your gift to Fisk is to use the leverage of life insurance. You may make a gift of an existing policy or name Fisk as the beneficiary. Some donors make annual gifts to pay premiums on life insurance policies owned by and payable as beneficiary to Fisk. Life Insurance is a unique way to leverage a small premium payment into a typically much larger gift at your death.
To make a gift of an exisiting policy or establish a new policy with a gift, contact us for assistance.
IRA's and Retirement Plans
These assets are often times more valuable to use as a funding source than cash or other assets. Because most retirement plans and IRA's have not been taxed during the contribution and accumulation period, they are usually subject to both income and estate taxes. Giving IRA or retirement plan assets may provide significant tax advantages to you and your family. Using IRA assets to make a gift, for example, may reduce or eliminate income taxes on the use of those funds during your lifetime and bypass estate taxes at your death.
To make a gift of IRA or retirement plan assets, contact us for assistance.
Real Estate
Many people make gifts of real estate to Fisk. Residential, commercial, or unimproved land can be given either outright or through the use of trusts. Utilizing a charitable remainder trust, for example, may allow you to gift appreciated real estate, receive an income stream for you or your family, reduce or eliminate capital gains tax, receive an income tax deduction, and make a gift to Fisk.
Get more information on gift planning using real estate, contact us for assistance.