Guide to Giving
Cash gifts
Gifts of cash, either by check, credit card, or online, are available for immediate use by the University and are usually fully tax deductible by donors who itemize deduction on their tax returns. Checks should be made payable to Kettering University. You can print a gift form to return with your gift so your donation is properly credited.
Pledges
Pledges are gift commitments paid over a period of time according to a prearranged payment schedule. Donors can receive reminders monthly, quarterly, or yearly, or set up an agreement where Kettering will periodically charge your credit card or debit your account. Indicate your pledge on the gift form or contact us for options, or to set-up a pledge program that will work for you. Gifts of $10,000 or more makes the contributor a member of the President’s Council, one of the donor recognition societies available at Kettering University.
Company Matching Gifts
Many businesses and corporations match personal gifts to Kettering made by their employees, retirees, directors, and their family members. Visit our online search engine to see if your employer participates. Contact your Human Resources Office for more information and to receive the form. Return the matching gift form with your gift and Kettering will do the rest. If you made a donation earlier this year, you can still return the matching gift form and the University will be able to receive the matching gift.
Stocks and Securities
Kettering accepts gifts of stocks and securities. Donors can use appreciated investments as charitable gifts, often realizing a substantial tax savings and can designate funds to a specific purpose. Contributors should seek the advice of financial and tax professionals for their specific situation. Contact us for details on how transfer securities.
Estate and Planned Gifts
Gifts through estate planning are a great way to support Kettering today and into the future. Bequests, gift annuities, life insurance and other financial plans are available, often with tax advantages for the donor and their heirs. Sue Weiss, Director of Philanthropy - Planned Giving, will be pleased to discuss planned giving opportunities with you and your financial/legal representative in person and in confidence. Planned gifts are mutually advantageous to you and to Kettering University. To learn more, visit our planned giving website or contact Sue Weiss by phone at 810-762-9768 or by email at sweiss@kettering.edu.
Equipment / In Kind Gifts
Certain non-cash items may be accepted as donations, such as equipment for use in our laboratories and buildings, or books and supplies.You and your company are invited to join a larger group of donors supporting Kettering with such gifts in kind. Contact Eve Vitale to discuss the possibility of your corporate donations. These gifts must be reviewed by the university to see if they qualify to serve the purpose of the institution and the donor is responsible for furnishing the fair market value.
Kettering Gift Fund / Annual Fund
Your annual gift to the University is critically important. When you contribute to the Kettering Gift Fund’s annual appeal you give the much needed gift of flexibility. The university can use these unrestricted funds immediately for the most pressing initiatives. Generally those needs include student financial assistance, faculty support, new academic programs, research assistance, and the purchase of supplies, and equipment. Contact Michele Loper at 810-762-7434 with questions or to make a gift by phone.
Endowed or Legacy Gifts
With endowed funds the original amount of the gift is invested. Each year, only a portion of the earned income is spent while the remainder adds to principal growth. In this respect, an endowment is a perpetual gift. Always equated with excellence and long-term strength, endowments are essential if Kettering is to remain a leader in education. It is a great way to link your legacy with our future forever.
Designated Funds
Donations to Kettering can be restricted to specific uses. As a donor, you can decide how your gift will impact the institution. Contributions can be designated for students, faculty, facilities, programs, or unrestricted annual giving. Contact Jack Stock at 810-762-7873 with questions on gift designations.
In Memoriam
Whether through the Annual Fund or a named scholarship, Kettering accepts gifts in honor of, or in memory of a loved one. This type of gift can be a meaningful way to honor a friend or family member. Contact Michele Loper at 810-762-7434 to discuss where you would like gifts directed.
Corporate and Foundation Gifts
Kettering University's partnerships with corporations and foundations help transform the theories and research that begins in the classroom and laboratories into real-world applications. Contact Eve Vitale at 810-762-9525 for ways to help make a difference.
