Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Fund for Oswego?
How are unrestricted gifts used and why are they so important?
Why is my gift important?
Where does the money go?
Why give each year?
How do I make a gift?
Can I designate my gift to a specific area?
Is my gift tax deductible?
It's my reunion year. Does my gift to The Fund for Oswego count for our class?
Can I give an anonymous gift?
I gave money to the college this year, why wasn't I listed in the Honor Roll?
Why does a public college need my support?
What about smaller gifts? I can't afford much, but I want to make a difference.
Will my company match my gift?

Will you give my name or address to any other organization outside the college?
How do I get my named 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. in 1947, to receive and manage annual gifts needed to offset expenses and support programs that state support and tuition alone can't cover.  The Annual Fund represents the base of support for programs for the college, and operation of the Foundation and is defined as unrestricted gifts and restricted use gifts of $25,000 or less.  Since 1947, private contributions from alumni, parents, friends, emeriti and former employees of SUNY Oswego have offered strong support to help Oswego achieve its goals. 

How are unrestricted gifts used and why are they so important?
Unrestricted gifts are used to support the college where the need is greatest.  Annual gifts made to The Fund for Oswego have an immediate impact on our students.   Your unrestricted donations help to provide Oswego with the flexibility to enhance academic programs, strengthen student programs and scholarships, provide technological upgrades, invest in the faculty and staff and continue making campus improvements.  Gifts to The Fund for Oswego help us provide the highest quality education to our students.   Additionally, gifts are used for such programs as Reunion and Alumni-in-Residence.

Why is my gift important?
Your generous donation can directly improve our students experience at Oswego by providing academic program support, student/faculty research opportunities, scholarships, library resources, technological upgrades and so much more!

Charitable contributions from our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, emeriti and friends make it all possible.  Every gift is important and makes an immediate impact on our students.

Where does the money go?
To support and enhance academic programs, scholarships, graduate fellowships, library resources, technological and computer upgrades, professorships, cultural opportunities and student/faculty collaboration and research which all directly benefits students and faculty here on campus.

Why give each year?
Your participation and gifts help the college provide the programs and services that make for a world-class education at an affordable price.  Your annual support will provide exciting new developments on campus and greater opportunities for students at Oswego.  Every dollar invested in The Fund for Oswego is invaluable and impacts our students.  By supporting Oswego, you will be making a sound investment in tomorrow’s leaders, problem solvers and visionaries. 

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, you can choose to designate your 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. 

It's my reunion year. Does my gift to The Fund for Oswego count for our class?
Yes, all gifts made in the fiscal year of your Reunion count as part of your class gift. Typically we have formal fundraising programs for the 10th, 25th and 50th anniversary classes. If you are interested in fundraising for your class, please contact us at (315)312-3003.

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

I gave money to the college this year, why wasn't I listed in the Honor Roll?
Our fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30 each year. 

Why does a public college need my support?
Not all of Oswego’s entire operating budget comes from New York state.  In fact, less than 20% 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 on our students.  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.

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: Spouses of employees, retired employees, and board members are often eligible for the match as well.

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

How do I get my name removed from your calling or mailing list?
Just call (315-312-3003) 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.