Reach Beyond - The Campaign for Onondaga Community College - Ways to Give

Ways to Give

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Onondaga Community College in a capital campaign?
For literally hundreds of thousands of Central New York community members, Onondaga Community College has been transformational. Simply put, Onondaga changes lives. The Reach Beyond Campaign will put vitally needed resources behind priority projects that will make a college education possible for more community members. As public investment in higher education decreases, your support is more important than ever.
What is the timeline for the campaign?
The campaign began July 1, 2007 with a leadership or “quiet” phase, and the “public” phase of the campaign began in November 2008. The campaign is expected to continue through December 2010.
What is the campaign’s financial goal?
The largest fundraising effort in College history, this $6 million campaign focuses on academic achievement, access, innovation, and creativity.
How were the campaign priorities determined?
Campaign priorities grew out of the vision and strategic goals of the College. The Reach Beyond Campaign supports four major initiatives that will improve the quality of life and learning for students and allow Onondaga to more effectively respond to the educational needs of the community:
  • The Presidential Scholars Program:  $4 million
  • The Children’s Learning Center: $1 million
  • The President’s Strategic Initiative Fund: $500,000
  • The Onondaga Arena & Sports Complex: $500,000
Why should private donors support the campaign?
Private support is an investment by those who recognize that Onondaga Community College is an invaluable community asset. Like many other publicly-supported institutions today, Onondaga Community College derives only a portion, less than 50 percent, of its funding from state and county sources. With student tuition making up the balance of college funding, additional private investment is needed for Onondaga to carry out its mission of access to affordable excellence in higher education and to contribute to a high quality of life, a well-educated citizenry, and a strong regional economy for all.. 
Why should I make an additional pledge to the campaign when I am already making regular annual contributions to the college?
Each year many individuals and organizations give generously to The Fund for OCC. Alumni, faculty and staff, community members, as well as corporations and foundations contribute to our annual giving program, which provides vital, ongoing support for scholarships, special support programs, and more. The Reach Beyond Campaign will provide the resources to support significant needs that go beyond the every day, ongoing program needs that are supported by the annual fund.
Can I make my gift anonymously?
Onondaga Community College willingly accepts anonymous gifts and will respect the anonymity of any donor who requests it. Anonymous gifts will be counted in the campaign and are fully tax-deductible.
How much should I give?
Giving is a highly personal matter. It must ultimately be your decision as to how much your pledge and gift should be.  We all have varying incomes and widely different financial responsibilities and interests.
May I restrict my gift to a particular project or program?
Donors may direct their gifts to any of the four campaign priority areas: the Presidential Scholars Program, the Children’s Learning Center, the Onondaga Arena & Sports Complex, and the Excellence & Innovation Fund. To make a gift to an area other than the identified priorities, please discuss your interests with a development staff member who can help prepare a gift agreement that reflects your wishes.
Can I make a gift over time?
Tax-deductible pledges and contributions can be made over a three to five year period and paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Payroll deduction is available for College employees.
Can I give something other than cash?
Any property that has value such as real estate, appreciated stocks, and insurance can also be given. If you are considering a gift of assets other than cash, you should contact the Foundation to discuss options, as well as consult with your financial and/or tax advisor. Gifts can be made via credit card (Visa, MasterCard,Discover and American Express).
Can I also support the Reach Beyond Campaign through a bequest or some other type of planned gift?
There are many options for giving through estate and other deferred gifts. These include adding a provision in your will, insurance policies, charitable trusts, gift annuities or other charitable vehicles. Your attorney or tax advisor can work directly with us to match your wishes with a campaign opportunity. .
May a memorial or living tribute be established through my gift?
Donors to the OCC Foundation have utilized their giving to recognize a relative, colleague, or classmate. Your generosity can acknowledge someone close to you, and create a lasting tribute to the person honored or memorialized. All honorary gifts are acknowledged to the honoree and in the case of memorial gifts, those left behind are notified that a memorial gift has been made. Like all gifts to the OCC Foundation, these special gifts make it possible for students to pursue their academic dreams, while providing a warm and loving way to remember those special to us. Please contact us to help you identify honorary or memorial gift opportunities at any level.
How will my gift be recognized?
Gifts of $1,000 or more will be recognized on permanent on-campus campaign recognition at the conclusion of the campaign. Many naming opportunities are available, ranging from classrooms, laboratories and offices at $10,000 to $30,000, to major campus facilities and residence halls at an investment of $750,000 to over $1,000,000. We would happy to explore these opportunities with you.