When Bemidji State University celebrates its five-year Imagine Tomorrow fundraising effort at the Homecoming Honors Gala in October, anticipation will inevitably center on the grand total.
Gifts and pledges already have topped an initial goal of $35 million, set in early 2011 when BSU embarked on its first-ever comprehensive campaign. As of April 12, the total was $35.9 million — and rising.
Another statistic likely to get attention is how many people have joined in the campaign. So far, that number is about 5,575, including nearly 1,400 individuals or couples who also have made their first donation to BSU.
Weeks before the campaign concludes on June 30, time remains for all three of these indicators to grow substantially as the university’s alumni and friends step up to be part of this historic success.
| Let Us Double Your Gift |
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If you make an unrestricted donation or pledge of cash or securities to Bemidji State University’s Imagine Tomorrow campaign by June 30, 2016, a matching gift will double your contribution and its impact. It also will apply to the first year of a multi-year gift. Here is more information about how you can participate: Cash: Cash gifts are an easy way to give. Gifts of any size make an immediate impact on the Imagine Tomorrow priority area of your choice. Securities: Gifts of stocks, bonds, treasuries and mutual funds that have increased in value are a win-win opportunity for you under current tax laws. They provide an immediate benefit to the university and a current income tax savings for you. Property: Property and real estate includes homes, cabins, commercial buildings, farmland and other property, such as works of art and other items of value. Planned Gifts: These involve giving to the university in the future. Typical types of planned gifts would be a bequest, life income gift, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, life insurance or a gift of residence with a life interest. The Bemidji State University Legacy Society is a unique organization whose members have provided for Bemidji State University through a planned gift. Members receive special invitations and other benefits. Volunteer: One of the most important gifts you can give to BSU is to tell others why the university is vital to you and the community. Attend campus events. Volunteer for committees and events that interest you. You make a difference! Potential benefits of giving
Contact the BSU Foundation at (218) 755-2762, |
In fact, a matching gift will double the impact of any new donation as long as it is unrestricted, meaning it can be directed toward what the university considers its highest priorities.
“There’s still an opportunity to be part of history,” said Rob Bollinger, executive director of university advancement. “Thanks to everyone who’s gotten involved so far, we have more than doubled the number and amount of scholarships the university is able to award to students, from about $700,000 during the 2010-11 academic year to $1.45 million this year.”
“BSU’s total endowment has also doubled, to $22.85 million, and we’re not done yet.”
With the door wide open to make the campaign’s impact on student success as significant as possible, staff and volunteers at the BSU Foundation have been busy in recent months wrapping up pending gifts and reaching out to individuals, Bollinger said.
Often joined by President Richard Hanson, they have met with donors and prospective donors in Arizona, California, Florida, Boston and Chicago, both to ensure a strong finish and build for the future.
In March, a pilot online giving program called March to the Finish allowed donors to place their gifts and photos on a Giving Grid, which they could also use to encourage friends to participate via social media. Luis ’87 and Angela ’87 Ojeda placed a $1,000 gift on the grid to celebrate their 30 years of marriage after meeting at BSU in 1985. They added the university’s tagline, “Best Decision ever!”
Also, on March 31, the BSU Alumni & Foundation hosted an after-work reception for university faculty and staff who had taken part in the campaign, with gifts and pledges totaling more than $800,000 since 2011.
Dave Sorensen ’72, chair of the Imagine Tomorrow Steering Committee, said that wherever the campaign tallies end up, the effort already has accomplished an important long-term objective, with no dollar sign attached.
“This campaign has brought the university to a new level and a new reality in fundraising,” Sorensen said. “We have no intention of going back to where we once were. But maintaining this energy will depend on people continuing to give after the campaign is finished.
“The needs of the university and its students won’t end on June 30, 2016, and neither will the positive impact that donors can make.”
Bollinger echoed that point, encouraging alums in particular to consider making a five-year pledge of anything from $100 a year to $1,000 a year — or more — with the total compounding along with its impact, year after year.
“We hope people will keep it going because they understand the importance of giving to the institution and to students,” he said.
Everyone connected to the university, whether they have donated to Imagine Tomorrow or not, will be welcome to join in the gala on Oct. 14.
The first part of the evening will continue the traditions of alumni and donor recognition, followed by the much-anticipated reveal of how much Imagine Tomorrow has raised.
After a champagne toast, the event will kick into party mode, with dancing to a 12-piece, Fargo-based horn band called Post-Traumatic Funk Syndrome.
Said Bollinger, “It truly will be a celebration of this historic accomplishment.”
Written by Scott Faust