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Frequently asked questions

Review answers to common gift-giving questions or call us (916) 278-6989.

Giving to Sacramento State

Select the arrow on the sections below to see the answers for each question.

Gifts to Sacramento State support students, University programs, and faculty.

Donors can designate a destination for their gift or give to programs that meet immediate needs.

Sacramento State uses gifts following a donor’s wishes. Reallocation is done only with donor consent.

Current-use funds are fully expended during a short period and have an immediate impact.

We may also designate these funds to support current but long-term projects, such as a building fund.

Your gift goes toward the program or initiative you designate.

It is deposited through the University Foundation at Sacramento State (UFSS), a 501(c)(3) organization serving as the primary philanthropic auxiliary for Sacramento State, acquiring and managing financial and other resources for the University. View recent UFSS financial statements.

Through its fiduciary responsibility, you can know your gifts follow your wishes and enhance programs rather than replace state support.

Gifts made to UFSS are voluntary investments from individuals, corporations, and philanthropic foundations for the benefit of the University.

Endowed funds are invested and maintained in perpetuity for permanent, long-term impact.

  1. They earn investment income — such as dividends, interest, and capital appreciation. Each year, distributions from a percentage of the annual income support the specific purpose designated by the donor.
  2. The remaining income is added to the endowment principal to help preserve purchasing power over time. In this way, endowed funds provide a stable income to support Sacramento State's mission.

Donors can establish an endowment in any college, school, or program at Sacramento State and name it in honor of any person or organization they choose — including themselves or a loved one.

Donors build strong ties with the beneficiaries of their endowment, sharing in the achievements made possible by their gifts, creating highly-visible links between the honoree and the University, and serving as a lasting tribute to the namesake.

Endowments are also a meaningful way to honor a loved one. In addition, generations from the donor family often see the long-term benefit of the endowment on its beneficiaries and the University.

Yes. Gifts in support of the University's mission, goals, and programs are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and processed through the University Foundation at Sacramento State (UFSS) is a 501(c)(3) organization. Please consult your tax attorney or financial advisor to determine if your gift is tax-deductible.

The federal tax identification number for the University Foundation at Sacramento State (UFSS) is 94-3001359.

Yes.

Online gifts — Our system sends a gift receipt to the email address provided when you make an online gift.

Gifts made by mail, phone, or in-person — We mail you an official tax receipt letter for your records.

The University Foundation at Sacramento State (UFSS) does not have employees or overhead expenses; however, it does have regular business expenses for processing, auditing, reporting, and reinvestment in fundraising initiatives, including two fees mandated by the California State University Chancellor’s Office for auxiliary organizations:

  • 3% charge to all incoming gifts
  • ≤1% annual charge to endowment and expendable accounts

The endowment charge comes from the investment earnings in most cases. Expendable gift funds typically earn less in annual returns because of the zero-risk-tolerance investment policy. As such, gift fees not exceeding 1% are charged to expendable accounts.

Question not answered?

Call us at (916) 278-6989, and we will work together to get you the information you need.