Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Annual Fund?
- Why does the Annual Fund need my support every year?
- How can my gift make a difference?
- What is the Nautilus Society?
- What is an unrestricted gift?
- Can my Annual Fund donation be directed to a specific area?
- Can I dedicate my Annual Fund gift to someone?
- Are Annual Fund gifts tax-deductible?
- What is the university’s fiscal year?
- What are matching gifts?
- How can I make a gift to UWF?
- Who do I contact if I have more questions about the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is a critical needs fund that helps create great futures for our students and region by providing operating and programmatic funds in order to deliver the best in higher education at the University of West Florida. It is comprised of gifts that are typically made on an annual, recurring basis. These gifts can be designated to any college, department, program, athletic team or scholarship - or they can be left unrestricted so that the president can direct resources to the area of greatest need. All annual fund gifts help UWF pursue its mission to be the best regional, comprehensive university in America. No matter what area of education or life you are passionate about, you can impact your passion with a gift to UWF. To learn about the variety of funds to which you can designate your gift, visit uwf.edu/ImpactYourPassion. To contribute now online click here.
Why does the Annual Fund need my support every year?
Tuition only covers 31% of the cost of education at UWF and state funds don't make up the difference. Ever since UWF opened its doors in 1967, the university has relied on gifts from alumni and friends to provide for the needs of our students. In order to achieve our vision of becoming the best regional comprehensive university in America, we must collaborate with those who believe as we do: that UWF is worth investing in not only for each individual student, but also for our community and region as a whole.
How can my gift make a difference?
The Annual Fund operates on the principal that there is strength in numbers. This means that each and every gift, regardless, of size is important because when pooled together they can have a large impact. In fact, if each of our alumni made a $40 gift the university would have over $2 million dollars to help create great futures for each of the over 10,500 students who call UWF home.
The Nautilus Society is our annual giving club which recognizes donors of $1,000 or more. To learn more about the Nautilus Society and about how you can become a member, click here.
Unrestricted gifts are those that are not designated by the donor for a particular purpose. These gifts serve an important role at UWF, because they allow the president some flexibility in their use. Typically, we prefer to use unrestricted gifts to fund projects and areas of campus that have a wide impact on students and the community.
Can my Annual Fund donation be directed to a specific area?
Yes! In fact, there are more than 325 different scholarships, programs and departments from which donors can choose. No matter what area of education or life you are passionate about, you can impact your passion with a gift to UWF. To learn about the variety of funds to which you can designate your gift, visit uwf.edu/ImpactYourPassion. Some popular choices include: the College of Arts and Science, the College of Professional Studies, the College of Business, individual academic departments, athletics programs, the John C. Pace Library and various scholarships. To contribute now online click here.
Can I dedicate my Annual Fund gift to someone?
Yes! Gifts can be made in honor or in memory of an individual who is special to you. An acknowledgement note is sent to the honoree or the family of the deceased. You can choose to make your gift anonymously.
Are Annual Fund gifts tax-deductible?
Yes! After receiving your gift, the UWF Foundation will send a receipt that you can use for tax deduction purposes. If you give by payroll deduction (only available to UWF faculty and staff), you will receive a summary of your calendar year giving in January of each year.
What is the university’s fiscal year?
Our fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.
Matching gift programs are offered by various organizations and businesses throughout the United States. To find out if your company has one and to learn more about matching gifts, click here.
You can make a gift:
· Online using our secure server
· By Phone at 1-800-226-1893 or 850-474-2758
· By Fax by filling out the form and faxing it to 850-474-2714
· By Mail by filling out the form and mailing it with a check to the address below.
UWF Foundation, Inc.
11000 University Parkway Bldg 12
Pensacola, FL 32514
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
For questions about the Annual Fund, please contact:
Kenda Hembrough, Annual Fund Manager
(850) 857-6112 or khembrough@uwf.edu