How to Give
Make a Gift, Make a Difference
Every gift, no matter the size, will make a profound impact on the students of Fitchburg State. There are a variety of ways to make a charitable contribution to the University:
Making a Gift by Credit Card
Fitchburg State University accepts VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. To make a contribution by credit card over the telephone, please contact the Office of Development at (978) 665-4555. You can also make your gift online.
Making a Gift by Check
Gifts can be made payable to Fitchburg State University Foundation, Inc. and mailed to:
Fitchburg State University Foundation, Inc.
160 Pearl St.
Fitchburg, MA 01420
If you wish to restrict your gift to a particular fund, please specify on the memo line of the check.
Matching Gifts
You may be able to double or triple your gift to Fitchburg State through your employer’s matching gift program. Companies that participate in these programs will provide their employees with matching gift forms to complete and include with their contribution or pledge form.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Gifts of appreciated securities are a tax effective way to support Fitchburg State University. When you donate appreciated stock to Fitchburg State, you can avoid capital gain taxes that you would be responsible for if you sold the asset. Additionally, if you have owned the securities for more than one year, you can also receive an income tax charitable deduction for the fair market value. These benefits make donating appreciated securities a favorable alternative to giving cash.
Real and Personal Property
Land or other real estate may be given to the University as an outright gift or used as an asset within a charitable trust. Personal property, such as artwork or rare books, can also be contributed. Since it is sometime difficult to determine the University’s needs for donated personal property, each case will be reviewed individually.
Planned Gifts
Planned gifts benefit both the donor and the University. These gifts, which can be planned through your financial advisors and the University staff, provide significant benefits including tax deductions, avoidance of capital gains taxes and increased income.
Learn more about Planned Giving.
Bequests
Bequests, the most common way for donors to provide for the future of Fitchburg State University, offer several advantages. A donor may be able to make a larger gift than otherwise possible and the estate may save on estate taxes. You may designate a bequest for a specific purpose or it can be placed into an unrestricted fund. An unrestricted bequest provides general support for Fitchburg State and allows the University to use the gift where it is most needed at the time. You can make a bequest by preparing a new will or revising your existing one.
Life Insurance
You may consider transferring ownership of a life insurance policy to the University. It is also possible to purchase a new policy and transfer ownership to the University.
Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is an example of how our current tax laws provide special ways for you to make a substantial gift of cash or stock and increase your income in the process. A CGA may offer a win-win proposition for you and the university.
For more information, please contact the Development Office at (978) 665-4555 or by email.