Faculty and Staff Campaign FAQ’s
What is UM’s Faculty and Staff Campaign?
The University of Miami Faculty and Staff Campaign is a campus-wide fundraising effort that provides both active and recently retired employees an opportunity to further invest in UM by making a charitable contribution. With the ability to direct your donation to the program or initiative that is most meaningful to you, you have the unique opportunity to see the impact of your gifts at work firsthand. Being a financial supporter of the institution where you also work is special and significant. We know that you have many causes you already support and thank you for considering this great university among them. We invite you to join thousands of your colleagues who have already made contributions to positively impact UM.
How does the Faculty and Staff Campaign relate to the Momentum2 Campaign?
As members of UM’s immediate family, our faculty and staff donors are a natural component of our current Momentum2 Campaign: The Breakthrough Campaign for the University of Miami, which began in 2008 with a goal of raising $1.6 billion by 2016 and will allow the U to become the next great American university. By making a gift or pledge to support the Momentum2 Campaign you are automatically a contributor to the Faculty and Staff Campaign and will count when we calculate faculty and staff participation rates.
Why should I support the University of Miami by making a gift through the Faculty and Staff Campaign?
As employees of this great institution, we get to see our gifts impact others and transform lives every single day. Maybe you’re a proud alum who was educated at the U. Perhaps you have built a successful career here, or you received top-notch care as a patient. Or you root for our athletics teams every single season. All of us are part of an important ‘Cane community and know how critical it is to support one another.
Additionally, our increased employee participation also encourages other individuals, corporations and foundations to give philanthropically as well, which will have an even greater impact on UM and enhance our overall reputation and stability.
How much should I give?
Any amount that feels comfortable for you. Each and every gift, at any amount, will truly make a difference.
When should I give?
Any time you want. Some choose to give once per year or multiple times throughout to support important causes like United Way, Dolphins Cycling Challenge or other special initiatives.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes, as allowed by law. You will automatically receive a tax receipt by mail when you make a donation directly to UM via cash, check, credit card or payroll deduction. Tax receipts for gifts made through the United Way can be obtained by logging into myUM and clicking on “United Way Pledge Receipt” at left. Donations made in support of riders for the Dolphins Cycling Challenge are also tax deductible and you should immediately receive that acknowledgement letter via email.
Which areas can I give to?
You can designate your gift to most any unit, program or initiative of your choice. Many donors choose to give to the area where they’re employed so they can directly see their gifts at work. Others may choose to support the Greatest Needs of the University. Others split their gift to more than one area. When you donate directly to UM you select where your gift goes and 100% of your donation will go to the fund you choose.
Can I direct my gift to a fund that I have primary responsibility for?
Yes. Gifts can be made to any University gift account. Any benefits you receive for the gift will be itemized on your tax receipt.
How can I make a gift?
There are many ways you make a gift quickly and easily:
- Payroll deduction (simply log into MyUM and click on “Give to UM - Payroll Deduction” on the left side)
- Credit card
- Check
- Appreciated securities and bonds
- Bequests and other estate and gift planning options
I have already named the University of Miami as a beneficiary in my estate plan.
That is wonderful and we thank you. Please contact our Office of Estate and Gift Planning so that we can ensure your wonderful gift is properly documented and that you are receiving the member benefits of belonging to our Heritage Society.
I have previously made a gift during the Momentun2 Campaign; do I have to make another gift to be a participant?
Thank you for your gift! Any contribution made to UM during the Momentum2 Campaign, which began January 1, 2008, makes you a participant in our current Faculty and Staff Campaign. Your past support has helped us in so many ways that we hope all of our employees consider making annual contributions, special Campaign gifts and/or planned gifts throughout Momentum2 and beyond.
I already made a gift to UM through the United Way; will my gift count toward this Faculty and Staff Campaign?
Yes, if you selected a UM unit or area as the partial or full beneficiary of your gift via the United Way then this does count and we thank you. Please note that United Way donations are distributed to the University on a quarterly basis, beginning in May of the following year, and that United Way assess a 1.5% administrative fee.
I already made a gift to a community agency through the United Way; will my gift count toward this Faculty and Staff Campaign?
We are glad and grateful that you support United Way agencies and our broader community, but unless your partial or full donation was specifically directed to a UM unit or area, this would not count toward the UM Faculty and Staff Campaign.
I already made a gift to support a rider for the Dolphins Cycling Challenge (DCC); will my gift count toward the Faculty and Staff Campaign?
Yes and thank you. Your contribution to support a DCC rider is noted on your UM giving record as a gift made to support UM’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and counts you as a contributor to the Faculty and Staff Campaign.
Will I be recognized for my gift?
Unless otherwise noted, donors may be recognized throughout the year. Additionally, alumni and parent donors who make leadership annual gifts by contributing $1,000 or more within a fiscal year will also be recognized as members of the James W. McLamore Society. You can read more about the James W. McLamore Society to learn about the benefits and exclusive events for its members.
Can I make an anonymous gift?
Yes you may make an anonymous gift but you will not receive a tax receipt or be recognized for your contribution.
Can I make a gift jointly with my spouse or partner?
Yes, both of you will receive credit for the gift. We also encourage you to check our Matching Gift Directory to see if your spouse or partner works for a company that will match your donation, which means you could double or even triple your gift! They should obtain the matching gift procedures from their office.
Who can I contact if I have questions that aren’t addressed on this website?
For general questions about UM’s Faculty and Staff Campaign please contact:
Darlene Rebello-Rao
University Advancement
305.284.5816
drebellorao@miami.edu