Why is University of West Florida in a campaign?
Private support is critical to the University of West Florida to provide students with a quality education. We can no longer look to the State of Florida for resources to provide the margin of excellence that will lead UWF to greatness. The purpose of the Creating Great Futures Campaign is to secure private resources to enhance educational opportunities and programs for our students, to respond to the educational needs of Northwest Florida and to build key partnerships with the constituencies we serve. Thousands of students have received an extraordinary education at UWF and many of these students attribute a part of their success to the generosity of individuals who believed in the power of education. We look to our dedicated alumni, friends and future supporters to join with us in assuring access and opportunity to future generations of students.
What is the Campaign vision?
Our vision is clear: to become the best regional comprehensive university in America.
When did the Creating Great Futures Campaign begin?
The Creating Great Futures Campaign began July 1, 2004 with a “quiet phase.” During the quiet phase campaign priorities were finalized, the campaign name, theme and materials were developed, and the leadership gifts phase was initiated. The “public phase,” launched September 25, 2007 and will continue through December 2010. During the “public phase,” solicitations will include major gifts and the involvement of thousands of alumni and friends. Everyone will be invited to invest in the future of the University of West Florida.
What is the Campaign’s financial goal?
The University of West Florida is seeking $35 million in private support during the Creating Great Futures Campaign. This goal was established based on the needs and priorities of the university’s colleges, programs and the regional campuses in support of its outstanding students and faculty.
What are the Campaign priorities?
How were the Campaign priorities determined?
The University engaged the professional consulting firm of Bentz Whaley & Flessner to conduct a Campaign Feasibility Study Report in 2003. A diverse group of constituents, including community members, alumni, friends, faculty and staff participated in the study. As a result of this collaborative effort of interviews, meetings, and focus groups, the campaign priorities emerged.
How do I make a gift?
You may make an online gift by clicking here or you may contact the Office of University Advancement at (850) 474-2758. Campaign commitments may be pledged and fulfilled over a period of up to five years. Gifts of cash and securities, stock shares, mutual fund shares, and bonds may be applied to the Campaign. Martha Lee Blodgett, director of development, will work with you to discuss how to include the university in your financial and estate plans in support of the campaign. Gifts to the Creating Great Futures Campaign may provide substantial tax benefits and help maximize your charitable giving. Gifts to the campaign are tax deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code.
May I restrict my gift to a particular project or program?
Yes. You may designate your gift to the department, project or program of your choice. To ensure that your contribution is used as you intend, you should discuss it with a development staff member before putting any restrictions in writing. Gifts of endowments will also include an agreement outlining the purpose of the gift and the specific designations for the awards.
I am unable to make a large commitment to the university at this time, but I want to be a part of the Campaign. Are there any options for me?
There are many options for giving through estate and trust gifts. You may leave a legacy through a provision in your will, a designation to your insurance policy, via a trust arrangement or other charitable vehicles. Your attorney or tax advisor can work directly with our Development Office to match your wishes with an opportunity at the university. For further information, contact Martha Lee Blodgett, director of development, at 850.474.2712 or email her at mblodget@uwf.edu.
Can I make my gift anonymously?
Yes. The University of West Florida accepts anonymous gifts and will protect the anonymity of any donor who requests it. Anonymous gifts will be counted in the campaign and are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
May gifts be used for commemorative purposes?
UWF offers a variety of possibilities to memorialize or honor a relative, friend or other individual. Endowed funds frequently bear the donor's name, or are named at the donor's direction for another individual. Buildings and other facilities may also be named in whole or in part. These naming opportunities are in accordance with established university policy, and must be approved by the President and the Board of Trustees. It is advisable to work with a university development professional on these types of gifts. A general list of naming opportunities can be viewed at http://www.uwf.edu/greatfutures/giving/naming.cfm.
Can my individual gift really make a difference when the campaign has such a large goal?
Absolutely! Campaigns succeed because of the collective support of thousands of donors and individual gifts – no matter the size; each and every gift moves us closer to achieving our $35 million goal.
Who at UWF can I contact for help and information regarding the Campaign?
For general questions about the Campaign, contact Lauren Smith, campaign manager, at 850.474.3096 or lsmith2@uwf.edu. Development staff will also be pleased to answer your questions about the Campaign or how to make a gift to the campaign. Please feel free to contact:
Dean Van Galen
Vice President for University Advancement
850.474.3306
dvangalen@uwf.edu
Martha Lee Blodgett
Director of Development
850.474.2712
mblodget@uwf.edu
Sara Groh
Coordinator for Annual Giving
850.474.6112
sgroh@uwf.edu
Lauren Smith
Campaign Manager
850.474 .3096
lsmith2@uwf.edu
Gretchen Van Valkenburg
Associate Director of Development
850.474.2875 or 850.863.0755
gvalkenb@uwf.edu
Aaron West
Associate Director of Development
850.857.6111
awest@uwf.edu
