What is The Fund for Oswego?
How are unrestricted gifts used and why are they so important?
How do I make a gift?
Can I designate my gift to a specific area?
Is my gift tax deductible?
I gave money to the college this year, why wasn't I listed in the Honor Roll?
It's my Reunion year, does my gift to The Fund for Oswego count for our class?
Can I give an anonymous gift?
Why does a public college need my support?
What about smaller gifts? I can't afford much, but I want to make a difference.
Where does the money go?
Whom does the Telefund contact?
Why might I get called twice?
I'm on the Federal Do Not Call List; why is the Telefund calling me?
Where is the Telefund located?
Are the Telefund callers really students at Oswego?
When do you call?
May I use my credit card?
May I choose where I want my gift to go?
Will my company match my gift?
How do I make a gift over the phone?
Can my son or daughter apply to work for the Telefund?
Will University Development give my name or address to any other organization outside the college?
How do I get my name removed from your calling or mailing list?

What is The Fund for Oswego?
The Fund for Oswego is a program established by the Oswego College Foundation, Inc., to receive and manage annual gifts needed to offset expenses and programs that state support and tuition alone can't cover.  The Annual Fund represents the base of support for the operation of the Foundation and programs for the college, and is defined as unrestricted gifts and gifts for program support of $25,000 or less.

How are unrestricted gifts used and why are they so important?
Unrestricted gifts are used to support the college where the need is greatest.  Additionally, gifts are used for such programs as Reunion and Alumni-in-Residence.

How do I make a gift?
Please see ways to support for your options.

Can I designate my gift to a specific area?
Yes, in addition to unrestricted gifts, alumni and friends can choose to designate their gift to any college department, to support a scholarship, athletics, the library, capital projects, and a variety of other campus programs and initiatives.

Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes, the Oswego College Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization.

I gave money to the college this year, why wasn't I listed in the Honor Roll?
Our fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.  The Honor Roll of Appreciation lists donors who gave during that time period, therefore your gift will most likely be in next year's publication.  If you still think that your name was omitted in error, contact the Office of University Development at 315-312-3003 and we will review our records.  Your gift is important to us and we want to acknowledge it properly.

It's my Reunion year, does my gift to The Fund for Oswego count for our class?
Yes, we typically have formal fundraising programs for the 25th and 50th anniversary classes. All gifts made in the fiscal year of your Reunion count as part of your class gift.

Can I give an anonymous gift?
Yes, just let us know if you wish to remain anonymous.

Why does a public college need my support?
You may not realize this, but not all of Oswego's operating budget comes from New York state.  In fact, less than 25% of Oswego's operating costs are paid for with state tax dollars.  In order for Oswego to maintain its high quality at an affordable price, we rely on donations from private donors.  Everything from scholarships and building renovations, to top-notch faculty and additional campus resources are enhanced by our donors.

What about smaller gifts? I can't afford much, but I want to make a difference.
Every gift does make a difference and has a major impact.  Just $25 can purchase a new library book.  A $100 gift can help provide a year's subscription to the Wall Street Journal to be used in business classes.  A $250 donation purchases statistical software to be used in math or science courses.  When a donation is combined with hundreds or even thousands of other "small" gifts, Oswego is able to hire new faculty members, offer additional scholarships or provide resources for other critical, ongoing needs.

Where does the money go?
To support academic programs, scholarships, graduate fellowships, library resources, building renovations, computer upgrades, program enhancements, professorships, and research which directly benefits the faculty and students here on campus.

Will my company match my gift?
Possibly!  Hundreds of companies will match a gift by an employee.  This can double or even triple your gift to Oswego.  Contact your human resources office for details or visit our matching gift search page. Note: Spouse of employees, retired employees, and board members are often eligible for the match as well.

Will University Development give my name or address to any other organization outside the college?
No, your records are confidential.

How do I get my named removed from your calling or mailing list?
Just call or e-mail the Office of University Development.  Let us know which list you would like to be removed from and what type of information you would still like to receive and we will do our best to keep you from receiving calls and mail that are not of interest to you.