FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Donate to Spoon River College?

By making a donation to the Spoon River College Foundation, you are helping to provide a financial base for the College to meet its needs and achieve its goals. Gifts of all sizes add up to positively impact the lives of present and future students, and the community as a whole. The Spoon River College Foundation uses your contributions to develop new programs and services, fund student scholarships, purchase new equipment, and improve its facilities. Your gifts help ensure that students of all ages, backgrounds, and means will have the opportunity to receive an outstanding educational experience at a reasonable price.

How can I make a gift to Spoon River College?

The SRC Foundation offers a variety of gift options you may wish to explore. Careful planning can maximize the positive effects of outright contributions such as cash, appreciated securities, real estate and gifts of personal property, as well as deferred gifts such as bequests, testamentary trusts, life income trusts, gifts of life insurance, or establish a manageable endowment.

Who determines how the SRC Foundation's funds are used?

You, the donor, specify how the gift will be used. Many individuals choose to support academic departments, scholarship funds or other causes. In some cases the donor elects to make an unrestricted gift. Unrestricted gifts also benefit the College by allowing the SRC Foundation greater flexibility in directing the gift to help students with worthy programs and improve the educational quality of the institution.

Where will my gift make the greatest difference?

Your gift makes a difference wherever it is used. Every gift, whatever its size, is needed and appreciated by the SRC Foundation. Our staff works closely with College officials to determine fund raising priorities. Staff can also assist donors in structuring philanthropic plans to meet their personal charitable and financial objectives.

How big does my gift have to be to make a difference?

All gifts no matter the size help the College achieve its goals. When you make a gift, you join thousands of proud alumni and friends of the College who share your dedication and enthusiasm for Spoon River College.

Can I make a gift payable over a period of time?

The SRC Foundation will be happy to accommodate donor preferences. Gift commitments can be fulfilled in annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly installments over a five-year period, or through other arrangements with the SRC Foundation.

What happens when I make a pledge over a period of time?

When making a pledge, the Foundation office records your payment schedule according to your wishes. We send pledge reminders before your scheduled payment is due. 

May I honor or memorialize someone with a gift?

Many individuals make gifts in honor or in memory of someone else. These gifts are a fabulous way of helping students and celebrating the life of a loved one at the same time. When you make your gift to the SRC Foundation, please include the name and address of the person you are celebrating. If the person is deceased, include the name and address of the family. When we receive your gift and accompanying notification information, we will send a memorial letter to the individual or their family telling them of your thoughtful gesture. 

What is an endowment fund?

A gift of at least $10,000 can establish an endowment, a fund that is invested by the SRC Foundation to fund programs in perpetuity. The principal remains intact, and interest earned by the endowment is used to fund the designated programs. 

What is a matching gift?

Matching gifts are made by employers in support of charitable gifts given by their employees, retirees, or directors to certain non-profit institutions such as colleges. If you or your spouse work for a company that has a matching gift program, you can multiply the power of your gift. Some companies will match the gift one-to-one, and others will double-match or even triple-match your gift. Contact your human resources office to obtain the required form. Mail the completed form, along with your gift, to us and we will do the rest. The amount of the company match will be credited to your giving total and will be figured into your contribution for membership in giving clubs.

Can I make my gift with a credit card?

Yes. The SRC Foundation accepts VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. 

How do I know if the College has received my gift?  

A receipt will be mailed to you detailing the amount, date receipted, and designation of your gift.