What is the goal for the 2007-2008 Annual Fund?
To increase the number of alumni donors by 25%.
What does the Annual Fund support?
Annual fund dollars support the general operations of the law school.
In any given year, Annual Fund dollars might be used to offer
financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to sit
for the bar examination or to support the career services for students
travel for job fairs. In essence, the Share Your Success Annual Fund
allows the School to respond to its greatest needs.
Why is the Annual Fund so important to Thurgood Marshall School of Law?
The Annual Fund is particularly important because the Law
School has a smaller endowment than most
schools with which it competes for students and faculty. Because of this, TMSL rely on Annual Fund dollars
to pick up where endowment income and tuition revenue leave off to address
the Schools most pressing needs.
When should I make my gift?
The Annual Fund operates on a fiscal year that begins on September
1 and ends on August 31. Many alums prefer to make their gift at the
end on the calendar year to take advantage of the IRS tax benefit. However, making a gift early in the fiscal year
saves you from being solicited multiple times.
How do I make payments?
Payments may be mailed to the Law School
or made in person. Checks can
be made payable to: Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Can payments be made online?
Not currently. The website is being enhanced to offer this
option and it will be available soon.
Does a small gift to the Annual Fund really make a difference versus a
larger gift?
Absolutely. A gift to the Share Your Success Annual Fund-
in any amount- helps the Law
School reach its
goals. The small more frequent
gifts helps TMSL reach our goal. Giving
is important for three reasons:
- it sends a message to soon-to-be as well as inactive
alumni that TMSL graduates value the degree received here;
- involvement inspires other classmates to give and helps
alums and friends feel connected to the Law School;
and,
- it sends a message to the “friends” of the law school
that their gift will be treated with the same high degree of appreciation.
Does the Annual Fund only accept donations from alumni of the Law School?
No. The Annual Fund accepts gifts from individuals, companies, and
firms who wish to support the school. These groups of persons are considered “Friends”
of the Law
School.
How do matching gifts work?
Many firms and companies have matching gift programs that match
of all or portion of an employee’s charitable contribution to Thurgood
Marshall School of Law. If you give to the Annual Fund and your firm
or company matches your gift, you get credit for the total amount of
the gift. Check with your firm or company to see if this
program is available; if so, simply obtain a matching gift form, complete
it, and send it along with your gift to Thurgood Marshall School of
Law Annual Fund.
Am I recognized for my matching gift?
Yes. Please note, however, that for IRS purposes,
a donor may only deduct his or her personal contribution.
How do pledge reminders work?
If you make a pledge to the Annual Fund, you will receive pledge
reminders from the law school per cycle of payments you requested i.e.
monthly, quarterly or annually, unless you request a different schedule.
One you pledge is paid in a fiscal year, you will not receive
further reminders.
How do multi-year pledges work?
There are many advantages to making a multi-year commitment.
A donor pledges his or her support over a specified number of
years. For example, an alumnus may pledge $15,000 payable
in installments of $3000 for a period of five years.
Will I be penalized or are there any credit ramifications for not satisfying
a pledge?
Absolutely not. Although we hope you will be able to fulfill
your pledge, we understand the circumstances change. We are willing to work with donors to restructure,
reduce or re-write multi-year pledges.
Who do I contact for more information?
Davon Hatchett–
Annual Fund/Giving
Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Texas Southern University
3100 Cleburne Street
Houston, Texas 77004
Telephone: 713.313.1156
Facsimile: 713.313.1049
Email:dhatchett@tmslaw.tsu.edu
|
