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What are the Annual Fund goals for fiscal year 2008?

$2.75 million to be received by June 30, 2008, with 2,700 alumni participating by making a gift.

What does the Annual Fund support?

Because the Annual Fund is unrestricted, the school can use Annual Fund dollars for any purpose-scholarships, upgrades in technology, faculty research, building improvements or seed money to explore new programs (i.e., The Duke MBA-Global Executive and Cross Continent-and our new initiative with Seoul National University).

When should I make my gift?

It depends. Fuqua operates on a fiscal year which begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Many donors choose to make their gifts closer to the end of the calendar year, in order to take advantage of the IRS tax benefit.

How do I become a member of the Isle Maligne Society?

By making a gift of at least $1,000 to the school. For annual gifts less than $25,000, donors are encouraged to support the Annual Fund. For annual gifts greater than $25,000, donors can earmark their donations to the Annual Fund or they can work with a member of the development staff to explore other funding opportunities, including building projects or endowments.

With all of the focus on the Isle Maligne Society, does my $100 gift to the Annual Fund really make a difference?

Absolutely. A gift to the Annual Fund-no matter the amount-will help keep Fuqua in the top tier. As James B. Duke discovered in the early 1900s, when business leaders pool their resources, they can fulfill grand ambitions and attain lofty goals to benefit future generations. With over 10,000 alumni, a $100 gift from every Fuqua graduate could make a significant impact.

How do corporate matching gifts work?

Many corporations have matching gift programs where the company will match all or a portion of an employee's charitable contributions. Some companies even match 2:1 or 3:1. To determine whether or not you work for a matching gift company, you can check with your company's Human Resources department. Matching gifts are a fantastic source of revenue for the Annual Fund, accounting for over $200,000 additional revenue last year.

Am I recognized for my matching gift?

Yes. If a donor gives $500 to the Annual Fund and his/her company matches that gift with another $500, the donor is recognized for the full $1,000 donation, and is a member of the Isle Maligne Society. Please note, for IRS purposes, a donor may only deduct his/her personal contribution.

How do multi-year pledges work?

A donor pledges his/her support over a specified number of years. For example, an alumnus may pledge $10,000 payable in installments of $2,000 per year for five years.

There are many benefits to making a multi-year commitment. For you, it saves on the number of solicitations you receive and allows you to support your alma mater in a consistent manner. For Fuqua, it saves on solicitation marketing and postage costs and allows the dean to anticipate planned cash flow for more than one year ahead.

I would like to make a five-year pledge in honor of my reunion, but I am hesitant to do so due to the current economic conditions. If I must default on this pledge, are there any credit ramifications?

Absolutely not. Although we sincerely hope that you would be able to fulfill your pledge obligation, Fuqua understands that circumstances could change. We would work with you to restructure, reduce or write-off your commitment.