About the Annual Fund
Your Contribution Makes a Difference
The Annual Giving Fund is responsible for raising money that provides student financial aid and services, including scholarships for academically superior students, student counseling, and support for student organizations.
This year's goal is $1,000,000.
Funds support faculty research, course development and special programs (including international travel and support of students and faculty studying abroad), plus alumni and business relations. Gifts to the Annual Fund are also used for special administrative support associated with raising major gifts, recruitment of new faculty, equipment purchases, and the upgrading and renovation of facilities.
Texas Tech receives about 39% of its annual operating budget from state allocations and another 16% from tuition. The remaining 45% of its annual operating budget comes from alumni support. This number is likely to rise in the future due to tighter state funding. This makes alumni support an even bigger factor in maintaining the quality of education that personifies Texas Tech.
When you donate to the Annual Fund, you are investing in the future of Texas Tech and its students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I give? Aren't tuition and tax dollars enough?
Why does a state-supported university need donations from alumni? The fact is that Texas Tech received only about 39% of its annual operating budget form state allocations and another 16% from tuition. The remaining 45% of its annual operating budget comes from alumni support.
Texas Tech is great today due to your private support. The reality is that state funding is getting tighter. To maintain the quality of education that characterizes Texas Tech, even more money will need to come from the private sector.
Why should I give to Texas Tech when I am still paying off my college debt?
Your education would have cost double — that's right, double — were it not for the alumni before you who gave generously to the university. Your gift will help today's students.
My small gift would be a drop in the bucket. Why should I bother giving?
Think about it: 10,000 gifts of $50 equal $500,000! That amount could fund a $1,000 scholarship for 500 Texas Tech students next year alone. What an impact!
I have a small salary and lots of expenses. How can I afford a large gift this year?
Texas Tech is not asking you to make a gift that will break the bank. We just want to get as many alumni as possible involved. When we all work together, we can make great things happen for Texas Tech. Any amount is helpful and greatly appreciated.
How can I ensure that my gift supports the area I choose?
You decide where your gift goes simply by designating the college, campus, or program of your choice. Whether you give via mail, make a pledge over the phone, or donate on the web, you have the opportunity to tell us what to do with your gift. Rest assured that your hard earned dollars help the area you choose.
I already gave to the Alumni Association, why is Texas Tech asking for more?
It can be confusing, but the Alumni Association and the Office of Annual Giving are two separate programs.
The Office of Annual Giving is responsible for raising money for each of the colleges and the various programs at Texas Tech. The funds raised provide for scholarships, faculty recruitment, and facility upgrades, among other things. Bottom line: we raise funds to be used strictly for academic purposes.
Alumni Association gifts pay for your Texas Techsan subscription, admission to special alumni events, recruitment camps, commemorative items and other administrative costs. A portion of the gifts support Tech through scholarships.
Can I give to my campus, college or department?
Yes, and you can support all recognized programs such as KOHM-Radio, KTXT-TV, the Texas Tech Museum, Athletics, Chancellor's Council, the Libraries and other specific and general scholarship, research projects and student activities and programs.
When I give to "unrestricted funds," who gets the money?
Unrestricted funds funds stay within that college or department. Funds donated for general use are considered unrestricted. They are especially important to Texas Tech and the colleges that receive them. They provide the financial resources necessary to upgrade technology, repair facilities, support scholarship programs, recruit faculty and students and maintain facilities.
Is my donation tax deductible, and will I receive a receipt?
Yes! All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, and you will receive an acknowledgement or a gift receipt seven to ten days after you make your gift.
I'm always getting phone calls asking for donations. How often do you call?
We realize our alumni get many requests. That is why the Office of Annual Giving Programs (Annual Fund) will call you only once per fiscal year (September–August). But you can call us anytime!
