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Donor Support and Donor Privacy

We value you, our donors, and the important role you play in moving Fisher Forward.

With your donation, you are demonstrating your commitment to Fisher. The University is likewise committed to supporting the wishes and needs of our donors, to ensure a positive giving experience.

  • The Office of Institutional Advancement, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, shall be the sole acceptor of all gifts to the University.
  • The Office of Institutional Advancement shall determine that a gift or grant to the University is evidence of philanthropic intent and that the donor’s philanthropy is in accord with the stated mission and goals of the University.
  • The Board of Trustees shall assure itself that all philanthropic promotions and solicitations are ethical and align with IRS 501(c)(3) regulations and publication 1771.
  • Pledges documenting specific gift amounts and payment schedules are required to be in writing and signed by the Donor(s) and University. Donors who plan to make recommendations from donor advised funds shall sign a letter of gift intention, in place of a standard pledge agreement. Verbal pledges will not be accepted, except under special circumstances at the discretion of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
  • All gifts accepted by the University will utilize charitable gift making methods that conform to federal and state tax regulations.
  • If a donor defaults on a pledge for which a naming opportunity was received, St. John Fisher University reserves the right to remove the donor’s name from the named entity. If the University administration decides that such action is warranted, it will make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees for its approval prior to undertaking any action.
  • The University seeks outright gifts and pledged commitments, lasting no longer than five (5) years. Gifts of cash or securities are the preferred methods of giving to the University. Other forms of giving, such as planned gifts, are acceptable and may offer qualified donors an attractive alternative, enabling them to significantly increase the level of their philanthropic commitment to St. John Fisher University. Donors should consult their tax advisors concerning the method of giving and their individual circumstances. Gifts shall be valued on the date the donor(s) relinquish control of the assets in favor of the University.
  • Donors receive recognition for their direct personal gifts (and gifts received through a personal foundation, donor advised funds, corporate matching gift, and the like). Donors are not recognized for gifts that they helped to attract as a volunteer.
  • St. John Fisher University uses donor information only for University purposes. We do not share, sell, rent, market, or otherwise disclose donor information to any third party for non-University purposes.