FAQ

Why is alumni participation so important?

Alumni participation is used as an indicator of alumni satisfaction by some college guidebooks and by foundations. Alumni who participate at any level are helping Harding's standing for student recruitment and fundraising.

Each year Harding is rated by such organizations as Peterson's and U.S. News and World Reports. Alumni giving percentages are noted and factored into the ranking process.

Perhaps the most critical reason for a high participation rate among alumni is that major foundations consider heavily the willingness of a university's own alumni to support a campaign as a primary key in grant making. These foundations state that they seek to help those institutions which are helping themselves through the support of grateful alumni, parents and friends.

What type of gifts are sought?

The four broad areas of giving are unrestricted, restricted, capital, and endowment gifts.  Unrestricted gifts are always encouraged as they have the largest impact on the most students.  At Harding, we call unrestricted gifts the “Harding Fund” as they help provide scholarships to need-based students.  Restricted gifts are typically scholarships set up for students according to a set of criteria established by the donor.  In other words, the donor typically restricts these funds according to their desires.  Capital gifts relate to building and construction projects on campus.  Endowment gifts are for the ongoing support of the university in which the principal is kept intact while the investment earnings are used as current gifts.  These are typically the result of estate planning.

What are unrestricted gifts?

Unrestricted gifts support many academic needs. These change from year to year as the needs of the University and its schools change or opportunities emerge. These needs are basic to the operation of an institution of higher education and include primarily scholarships, but also faculty enrichment, program development, library acquisitions, administrative expenses, new equipment and improvements in facilities and grounds.

Will my company match my gift?

Many companies encourage their employees to contribute to their alma mater by matching their gifts. If your company has a matching gift program, help us take advantage of this opportunity by obtaining the form needed from the personnel office of your company. Please complete the form and return it to us with your gift record and count toward the level for recognition in the Donor Program.

Is my gift tax deductible?

The Harding University Annual Fund has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as fully qualified to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions solely in support of Harding University.

What is the fiscal year at Harding?

Our fiscal year runs from July 1 - June 30. This may cause some confusion for donors as the tax year follows the regular calendar. New federal accounting standards require that we close our financial year exactly on June 30. Pledge payments of gifts which are received in July cannot be counted to the fiscal year which had just ended.

Can I specify where my gift will be spent?

Yes, but your gift might not count towards the Harding Fund. If you would like to restrict your gift to a specific purpose, you can simply make a note of it on the check or include a short note with your gift or pledge payment.

Also, certain corporations limit matching program funds if gifts are restricted. Please check with your company for any matching gift conditions before assigning restrictions to your gifts to Harding.

Contact Us

Office of Advancement

501-279-4312

advancement@harding.edu

Giving: 800-477-4312

Mail checks to:
Harding University
Advancement Office
HU 12238
Searcy, AR 72149-5615