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Husson University Alumni and Friends

Giving FAQs

Husson's Annual Fund (known as The Husson Fund) is the most popular way that alumni, parents and friends support Husson. Gifts made to The Husson Fund provide "budget relieving" support to some of the most important areas on campus including financial aid, academic support, athletic programs and student activities. Husson Fund gifts are expended in the same fiscal year in which they are received.

Unless otherwise designated, Alumni gifts help support the Husson students who receive some form of need-based financial aid. Gifts from parents also help enrich the Husson experience by providing extra support to campus programs, clubs and teams.

Unrestricted Giving: These are gifts to Husson's Area of Greatest Need. Gifts here immediately impact Husson by being distributed to cover expenses. Everything from keeping our campus clean, plowed and accessible, to lightbulbs and toilet paper, an unrestricted gift is vital.

Restricted Giving: A restricted gift means that the donor has said where they want their dollars to go. From a specific athletic team, student club, or to support a college or program, restricted dollars help support the area(s) that the donor requests.

Although the University prefers to receive unrestricted gifts that can be applied to the most important budgetary needs, some donors prefer to specify the use of their gift. There are many programs, clubs and teams to which you can designate your gift, including any academic department, scholarship, varsity or sports team and others.

Making an annual gift every year makes a statement to corporations and foundations, and college ranking publications that you believe in Husson University's mission and support the unique education experience that it provides. Your annual gift provides vital support to immediate operating budget of Husson and helps to ensure that many of the departments, programs, teams and institutes get the funds they need to provide a college experience of the highest quality while maintaining a balanced budget. It would take substantially more endowment funds to provide what Husson receives through its Annual Fund programs.

You can make a gift with cash, credit card, matching gifts, in-kind, bequests, life insurance policy, stocks and real estate. In-kind Gifts received by Husson have consisted of computers, automobiles, office supplies and furniture and other helpful gifts. Contact the development office to discuss in-kind gifts that would be particularly useful to the college.

Many employers will match gifts made by their employees, retirees and directors to non-profit organizations; some even offer a higher 1:1 match. To see if your company offers matching or to get a matching gift form, you may contact your company's human resources department. By spending a few minutes filling out a simple form, you can often double the power of your gift.

Annual gifts are raised each year from alumni, parents and friends of Husson and spent within the same fiscal year. Annual gifts help provide funds to many of the programs and priorities on campus that do not receive regular designated support including financial aid, classroom and athletic equipment and experience enriching programs around campus.

A capital gift is normally a larger, one-time gift or pledge that goes toward projects as new buildings. Most notably, the recent fundraising campaign for Harold Alfond Hall was the result of capital gifts.

Endowing funds for new scholarships or increasing the general endowment are gifts that are meant to be invested. The University then draws off a specific distribution amount based on the current spending policy.

The Chesley Husson, Sr. Society is made up of people who participate in the Planned Giving Program for Husson. In fact, if you have named Husson University in your will, named Husson in your insurance policy or have otherwise included our institution in your estate plans, you are a member. If you have not yet notified us of your bequest intentions, please contact the Development Office today to inform us of your decision and to sign a declaration of intent. The declaration of intent is non-binding and creates no legal obligation to you or your estate.

Society members enjoy benefits which include:

  • All members who enroll will be listed as charter members and designated members in all future publications and information distributed regarding the Society and its mission.
  • A special plaque with the names of all the Society charter members will be displayed on campus in a prominent place.
  • An annual dinner hosted by the University President

By becoming a member of the Chesley H. Husson, Sr. Society you are demonstrating your intent to ensure Husson's future educational excellence and the vital educational opportunity we offer deserving students.

You may choose any of the following opportunities to secure Society membership:

  • Make a bequest through a will or trust
  • Name Husson University as beneficiary of a life insurance policy, a pension plan or a bank account
  • Name Husson University as a beneficiary of a charitable lead trust.
  • Make a life income gift, securing a guaranteed life income for yourself, and designated beneficiary if desired, by establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity or creating a Charitable Remainder Trust.

There is a variety of ways to give to Husson University including:

  • Make your gift online, here.
  • Call 1.800.726.7073 to make your gift over the phone
  • Mail your gift to:
    Husson University
    Advancement Office
    1 College Circle
    Bangor, ME 04401

Husson's fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.

Husson University has established several giving society levels to recognize donors to the University. Matching gifts will count toward your gift club level, so a gift of $750 with a 1:1 match of $750 would place the donor in the $1,000 President's Council.

CUMULATIVE GIVING

2008 Society

In 2008, Husson College transitioned to Husson University, signifying tremendous academic growth of the institution. The 2008 Society recognizes individuals whose lifetime cumulative gifts and commitments to Husson University have reached $1,000,000 or more.

1968 Society

In 1968, Husson moved from the Park Street campus to College Circle, a transformational move for the College. The 1968 Society recognizes individuals whose lifetime cumulative gifts and commitments to Husson University have reached $500,000 to $999,999.

1898 Society

In 1898, the Maine School of Commerce, now known as Husson University, opened. The 1898 Society recognizes individuals whose lifetime cumulative gifts and commitments to Husson University have reached $100,000 to $499,999.

ANNUAL GIVING

President's Council

Annual Giving is essential to the ongoing strength of Husson University. The President's Council recognizes individuals who have made gifts totaling $1,000 or more within the current fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30.

Bell Tower Society

The Bell Tower is an iconic feature on Husson's flagship campus dedicated to Husson in honor of Clara Swan, a lifelong supporter of Husson University. The Bell Tower Society recognizes individuals who contributed to Husson for the last ten or more consecutive fiscal years. These gifts can be outright gifts or pledge payments.

College Circle Society

Our loyal donors, regardless of size of gifts, are the foundation of Husson's philanthropic efforts, allowing us to be a successful university. The College Circle Society recognizes individuals who have contributed to Husson for the last five or more consecutive fiscal years. These gifts can be outright gifts or pledge payments.

All gifts to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Husson is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Husson issues gift receipts for each gift.

There are additional tax benefits to making gifts of appreciated stock or setting up annuities and trusts with Husson. Please contact the Office of Advancement if you have questions on these types of gifts.