Frequently Asked Questions
What is The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation?
The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation which serves as a fiduciary of all private funds donated to Southern Miss. It is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors.
How are private support gifts used by the University?
All gifts are applied to the support of academic excellence at Southern Miss. Gifts may be used to set up new scholarships or add to an existing one, build new buildings, endowed chairs, for faculty development and research, and other special projects.
What is the relationship between Southern Miss and The Foundation?
The Foundation is a non-profit entity with a volunteer Board of Directors that works in partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi to serve the university's mission by raising private funds.
Is an annual report published by The Foundation?
Yes, the annual report includes a list of major donors and financial information about The Foundation. To request a copy, please call 601-266-5601 or 1-888-GIVEUSM.
What is an endowment?
An endowment is a gift held in perpetuity by the Foundation. The donation is invested, and the earnings from the investment are used according to the donor's wishes. An endowment is the best way to give to the University because, once fully funded, it will continue to provide scholarship or other support on a yearly basis.
Are there any other fees involved?
Yes, the Foundation charges a yearly 2% fee to offset our operating expenses. Thankfully, all staff members at the Foundation are Southern Miss employees or that fee would be higher.
What is the Southern Miss Annual Fund?
The Southern Miss Annual Fund is the annual giving program that was established in 1983 for all alumni and friends who support academic programs at The University of Southern Mississippi. The Annual Fund is managed by the Foundation.
Can gifts to the University be designated to a specific college or department?
Yes, but the greatest need is for unrestricted gifts.
Can I designate my gift to the Gulf Coast Campus?
Yes, or to any other campus under the administration of The University of Southern Mississippi.
May I choose where my donation goes?
Absolutely, you can designate a college or program. The choice is yours.
To whom should checks be made payable and to what office should gifts be directed?
Checks should be made payable to The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation and mailed to 118 College Dr. Box 10026 , Hattiesburg , MS 39406-0001.
My gift of $10, $50 or $100 would be a drop in the bucket. Will it really make a difference?
Every gift, regardless of the amount, makes a difference. Your gift can accomplish so much more than you think it can. Think of it this way, if 80,000 Southern Miss alumni gave a gift of $100 each, it would total $8,000,000. Imagine how many students we would help!
How do I make a gift to honor my favorite professor?
Many Southern Miss supporters make gifts that honor a mentor, parent, or someone else. Contact the Foundation and let us help you designate your gift to go to someone special.
I don't want anyone to know that I have made a contribution. Is it possible to remain anonymous?
Yes, we are ethically bound to respect your wishes and we will not make your contribution known to the public. The staff and volunteer board members pledge n ot to disclose, communicate, publish, release, or permit the communication of sensitive or confidential donor information unless you choose to make it known.
I'm not rich-far from it. Isn't it the big gifts that really matter?
Large gifts are absolutely essential to Southern Miss but so are more modest ones. Most of us will never make the cover of Fortune magazine. Thankfully, many teachers, ministers and nurses, for example, choose their life's work for love, not money. But when gifts are combined, they add up and provide critical student scholarships, faculty support, or new lab equipment.
Who should I call if I have more questions?
Please contact The Foundation at (601) 266-5602 or 1-888-GIVEUSM.
What if I'm a member of the Southern Miss faculty or staff?
Faculty and staff may make charitable contributions to any fund at The Foundation through payroll deduction. A payroll deduction is very easy to initiate. The faculty or staff member decides how much he/she wants to give each month and for how many months. The amount is automatically deducted by the payroll department at Southern Miss. Please contact your college development officer for assistance .
When I was a student, I took out college loans and worked in order to be able to afford to attend Southern Miss. Why can't today's students do the same thing?
Many do. In fact, if it's been a while since you graduated, you'd be amazed at the debt load some students carry when they graduate from Southern Miss. Tuition only covers part of the cost of an education and Southern Miss is committed to attracting the best students from all over the U.S. and beyond, regardless of their ability to pay. When you were a student, the gifts of many earlier alumni and friends of the University helped underwrite the total cost of your education. Now, your gifts can help Southern Miss attract top students who might otherwise receive an offer too good to turn down from one of our competitors!
Why does Southern Miss, a state university, need private support?
Southern Miss is a state-assisted, not tax-supported institution. State allocations meet only a portion of the budget needs. Over the years, that number has fallen and it is now only around 24% and it is expected to decrease even further. That is why private donations to the University are so important.
To qualify for calendar year tax purposes, what is the last day I can make a contribution?
It depends on your gift. If you're contributing by credit card at The Foundation's online giving you have until midnight, December 31.
If you are sending your gift through the mail, your gift must be received at The Foundation by December 30 to allow for processing time. We suggest allowing at least one week for postal delivery time, depending on where you live.
Are there non-monetary ways I can support my university?
Absolutely! Whether it's recommending a student to Southern Miss, setting up a summer internship at the company where you work, or volunteering your services for the Alumni Association Chapter near you, Southern Miss appreciates your support. There are hundreds of ways to get involved, and some of them take just a few minutes of your time.
What is a restricted gift?
Restricted gifts are earmarked for specific purposes such as a named, endowed scholarship or professorship, a specific school or program, or buildings. Although both restricted and unrestricted gifts are welcome, unrestricted gifts are of critical importance and benefit student scholarships.
Where does my gift have the most impact?
Your own interests should be your guide but Southern Miss always has a great need for unrestricted gifts to colleges or programs, giving the university flexibility in applying monies where they are needed most.
What if someone does not wish to be solicited by the University?
If someone does not wish to be solicited, the person should call, write, or e-mail The Foundation and request that the university code the person's record for “No Solicitation.”
Is my gift to Southern Miss tax deductible?
Yes. Because The Southern Miss Foundation is qualified as a tax-exempted organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, all gifts to the university are tax deductible. For how much you can deduct, consult your tax adviser and the IRS web site.
Do matching gifts count toward donor recognition?
Yes. Matching gifts count toward recognition. For example, a donor who gives $5000, and files a one-to-one company match claim within the same fiscal year, is recognized for a gift of $10,000 for that fiscal year. Contact The Foundation to see if your company matches your gift, and to receive the applicable forms.
