FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: What is the Legacy Campaign?
A: The Legacy Campaign is the institution's first Major Gifts Campaign. The campaign will include solicitation of donations from employees, retirees, board members and the communities served by the institution. The focus of the campaign is to increase funding for: 1) scholarships; 2) student success centers; and 3) professional development for faculty and staff.
Q: Why are we conducting a Major Gifts Campaign? After all, as a public two-year College supported by our taxes, why does the college/foundation need to raise private dollars?
A: State funding is decreasing at an alarming rate within the University System of Georgia, yet enrollment is on the rise. From 2001 to 2005, Georgia Highlands College has seen a 58% jump in enrollment, but has experienced a significant decrease in its institutional budget.
Q: How Much Money is the Campaign Trying to Raise?
A: A specific goal has not yet been set, although a goal has been recommended. Over the long term, the college and foundation plan to grow the endowment to a minimum of $5 million. A specific campaign goal will be established in the later phase of the external campaign.
Q: Is My Contribution to the Campaign Tax-Deductible?
A: Yes. The college foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization, and all gifts to our Legacy Campaign are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. All donors will receive a receipt for purposes of tax preparation.
Q: Will the Campaign Accept Multi-Year Pledges?
A: Yes! Multi-year pledges enable donors to make more significant investments than might be possible with one-time gifts and also optimize tax savings.
Q: Does the Campaign Only Want Cash Donations?
A: No. Individuals are encouraged to give serious consideration to non-cash gifts such as annuities, stocks, bonds, land, real estate, trusts, in-kind gifts, etc. Other options include planned gifts through a will, life insurance or the creation of a trust. Investors should discuss these gifts with their tax, financial and legal advisors to determine the kind of gift that will both suit their personal needs and be of maximum benefit to Georgia Highlands College.
Q: Will My Contribution Make a Difference?
A: Yes! Your contribution can make a major difference in the life of a Georgia Highlands College student, faculty or staff member. A gift of any size will move us one step closer to enhancing educational opportunities for our students and creating new ways to assist our students in achieving their educational goals.
Q: Where Will My Money Go?
A: Your gift may be unrestricted or restricted. If you select unrestricted, your gift will be used for general support of college programs, activities and services. Your gift may be restricted to a particular area of interest covered by one of the three campaign initiatives. Indicate where you want to direct your gift on the pledge form, and it will be used for the project specified. The Office of Advancement will provide an annual statement showing your total giving for the year and the fund to which your gift was applied.
Q: Are Named Giving Opportunities Available During the Campaign?
A: Yes, there are many opportunities for investors to make named gifts or gifts in memory or in honor of someone. A list of naming opportunities is inclosed in the campaign package.
Q: How Can I Make a Gift to the Campaign?
A: Contact Judy Taylor, Advancement Officer, at 706-802-5457.
Q: How Will Donors Be Recognized?
A: The foundation's annual report (to be issued each fall) will include a listing of all donors from the previous fiscal year unless confidentiality is requested by the donor. Updates on the campaign will appear on the campaign Web site which will be linked to the college home page, in FOCUS magazine and in other publications. Incentive gifts will be offered for various levels of giving.