Faculty and Staff Giving FAQs
Find answers to common questions about faculty and staff giving at Vanderbilt. Have a question not listed here? Reach out to us for more information.
Why should I support Vanderbilt University?
Your contribution can provide vital resources for your school, department, or any initiative or program you are passionate about. Your participation also sets a strong example for other potential donors like alumni, corporations, and foundations, providing assurance that their financial investments are well placed.
What level of support is needed?
Gifts of any size are appreciated. Consider an amount that is comfortable for you and encourage colleagues to do the same. Whether big or small, donations add up to make a significant impact. Last fiscal year, a total of 1,814 faculty and staff contributed $1,441,670.
Who is included in Vanderbilt’s faculty/staff participation rate?
We encourage participation from all full-time Vanderbilt University employees.
Where should my gifts be directed?
You have the freedom to allocate your gift to any school, department, or non-academic program at Vanderbilt University.
Below is a list of the top five designations Faculty and Staff supported last fiscal year:
- Experience Vanderbilt
- College of Arts and Science
- Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center
- School of Nursing
- University Priorities
How will my gift be used?
Your contribution will fund the university priority you specify. Unrestricted gifts made to a school or area support various needs such as student scholarships, faculty support, facility enhancements, and research endeavors. These gifts provide immediate support, allowing deans to meet their school’s most pressing needs. Restricted gifts to endowed scholarships or programs can provide enduring support for students.
What is the difference between a restricted and unrestricted gift?
An unrestricted donation is allocated to a school or department and can be utilized for its most critical needs. These funds can also support undergraduate and graduate scholarships across all schools. In contrast, a restricted donation is designated for a particular purpose, such as research projects, facilities, or endowments.
I have given to Vanderbilt in the past. How often am I expected to give?
Vanderbilt’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. Any contribution within this timeframe counts toward our current fiscal year campaign goals. While we encourage annual participation, you are welcome to make more than one gift within the fiscal year if a specific opportunity aligns with your philanthropic passions. Key campaigns throughout the year include the Fall Incentive in October, Giving Tuesday in late November and Giving Day in the spring. These are great opportunities to make a meaningful impact!
Can I make my gift in honor of or in memory of someone?
Absolutely! Making your gift in honor of someone special or in memory of a loved one is a wonderful way to ensure your gift to Vanderbilt is even more meaningful. Be sure to note the person’s name and include the name and address of the person you would like to be notified of your gift. We do not mention the gift amount in gift notifications.
Your annual support directly impacts the Vanderbilt community, helping to push the boundaries of knowledge, inspire future generations, and create positive change in the world. Through Vanderbilt’s Dare to Grow campaign, your contributions are more vital than ever, fostering an environment where ambition and creativity thrive. No matter where your philanthropic passions lie, there’s a pathway to support them within this transformative initiative. Your gift helps elevate Vanderbilt, driving us to dare, to innovate and to grow.
