How to Give

Outright Gifts of Cash

Outright gifts of cash provide immediate unrestricted support to Minot State University. For many, the ease of cash or a personal check made payable to the MSU Development Foundation is the preferred method of giving. Should you desire to establish a monthly or quarterly schedule of giving, MasterCard and Visa are also available. Should you select to restrict your gift to specific programs or educational purpose (e.g. athletics, scholarships, departments, etc.) please indicate this with your gift.

You can deduct cash gifts to Minot State University in the year they are donated, generally up to 50% of adjusted gross income. In the succeeding five years, you may claim any deductions exceeding your maximum permitted deductions in the year of the gift.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities

Securities are especially advantageous gifts because you can avoid capital gains tax. If you donate appreciated securities to Minot State, you can avoid capital gains tax (on the difference between the price you paid and the market value) which you would pay if you sold them. You may deduct the current market value of a securities gift, generally up to 30% of your adjusted gross income. In the succeeding five years, you may claim any deductions exceeding your maximum permitted deductions in the year of the gift.

Please contact the Foundation for more information on gifts of securities.

Endowed Memorial Scholarships

We all have special people in our lives — those who have supported us and made a lasting impact, like parents, grandparents, teachers, and coaches.

To honor their memory, consider establishing an endowed scholarship in their name. This creates a lasting tribute that benefits future generations. 

The scholarship amount can be tailored to your wishes, and we'll help structure it to ensure long-term sustainability. Through careful investment, the principal will grow, covering annual scholarship costs and keeping up with inflation. This way, the scholarship remains relevant, untouched, and continues to give, ensuring your loved one is remembered forever.

Matching Gifts

Many businesses allocate philanthropic funds for higher education through matching gift programs, allowing employees, retirees, and directors to contribute to an institution, with the company matching their gift. These programs vary but provide crucial scholarship and grant funding for MSU students.

If you or your spouse work for a company with a matching gift program, obtain the form from the business or personnel office. This can significantly increase your donation and elevate your recognition level.

Real Estate

Gifts of real estate and marketable items of personal property may be contributed to the MSU Development Foundation and, as a general rule with respect to real estate, the contributor should be able to deduct, for tax purposes, the fair market value of the property.

Gifts of real estate are appropriate when the value has increased and the owner no longer wishes to own or manage the property. A gift to the Foundation results in a charitable tax deduction to the donor based on the fair market value of the property.