How much has overall giving increased at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the past two years?
Thanks to our Philanthropic Plan, we have seen a 45% overall increase in giving to UAF in FY 06 and FY 07. We are on track to continue seeing a rise in the number of gifts as well as the total dollar amount of gifts given by our generous and supportive friends, alumni, faculty and staff and other partners.

What is Planned Giving and how can it benefit me?
Planned Giving is a way to “leave a legacy gift to UAF” while still retaining an interest through your lifetime or the lifetime of your spouse. These range from:
•    A bequest through your will or trust;
•    Earn a tax reduction through a ‘life estate’ gift;
•    a Charitable Gift Annuity or a Charitable Remainder Trust.

How many donors gave to UAF’s Annual Giving program last year?
Over 450 donors gave to the Annual Giving’s unrestricted funds in FY 07.

Are alumni the biggest source of donations to UAF?
Many have been giving to UAF for years and are loyal supporters, but at this point alumni are not the largest contributors -- at least not yet! Unlike most major educational institutions, UAF alumni were never directly asked in the past to give back to their alma mater until comprehensive giving programs were put in place through the new Philanthropic Plan. Recently, we are pleased to report, our alumni have responded enthusiastically to our Annual Giving appeals. The number of alumni Annual Giving donors increased by over 70% in the past two years alone.

How can I give to UAF?
There are many ways to give, and many ways to make an impact on students and the campus community. Please see our Ways to Give page for more information and links to our Online Giving form

What is the difference between a Chair and a Professorship?
A chair supports a faculty member’s salary and related expenses, including research, course development and professional conferences. Professorships support outstanding faculty members travel, training, equipment, etc., or a visiting professor to come to campus to teach. We have three Chairs at UAF, the CW Snedden Chair of Newspaper Journalism; the Arthur T. Fathauer Chair in History; and the Sydney Chapman Chair. There is currently only one Professorship, the Ted Stevens Distinguished Professorship of Marine Policy.

What is an Endowment?

Endowments are the gifts that keep giving!  With an endowed gift, you provide permanent support for the University. Your gift is invested — never spent — and each year a distribution, like dividends on a mutual fund account, is made to your chosen program or area.  From professorships to book funds, from undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to supplemental salary support for faculty or even research, your legacy can take almost any form.

The minimum endowment amount is $25,000 and can be paid in increments over 5 years.  Once it is officially established, you or anyone else may continue to add to its principal at any time. Moreover, by selecting the title of your endowment, you can forever link your name, or that of a family member, friend, or organization, to scholarly excellence at the University.  

What is a Scholarship?

Student Scholarships and Fellowships enable UAF to attract, retain and recognize the best undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Your assistance allows students to concentrate on their coursework while also participating more fully in extracurricular programs that will enhance their academic and personal development. The minimum gift level is $25,000 for an endowed undergraduate scholarship or a graduate fellowship. 

There are many other ways to support students at UAF. 

• One of the most popular is a Named Scholarship Fund, also know as a restricted fund, which requires a $5,050 gift, and can be paid over 5 years to establish.  A restricted fund is not invested like an endowment but is instead spent similar to funds placed in a checking account -- your gifts are given directly to the students so once the money is spent the account will close.  Once it is officially established, you or anyone else may continue to contribute to the fund at any time.  
• If you are an outside philanthropic entity like a foundation or non-profit group and you maintain your own application process and thus already know the name of the student you would like to award then you can send that check directly to the UAF Financial Aid Office in the student’s name.  These types of scholarship awards are not considered philanthropic in nature, and you will not receive a charitable gift receipt from UAF.
• You can also support UAF’s students by making a gift to the UAF Leadership Program (hyperlink).  The Leadership Program assists student organizations find the resources they need to become successful student leaders.
• Unrestricted, annual support of UAF is also a great way to support students.  Every year unrestricted funds are used to supplement scholarship awards. (hyperlink to annual giving?).

If you are a student looking to apply for UAF scholarships or fellowships, please visit the UAF

Financial Aid Office website for further information.