Frequently asked questions about the Fund

What is the purpose of the Fund and who does the Fund represent?
Are gifts to the Fund tax-deductible?
What is the money used for?
Who supports the Fund?
How are the funds distributed?
What is the Fund’s fiscal/campaign year?
Who manages the Fund?
How did the Minnesota Private College Fund originate?
How can I give to the Fund?
How can I contact the Fund?

What is the purpose of the Fund and who does the Fund represent?

The Minnesota Private College Fund provides visibility and critical support to the development efforts of 17 member private colleges and universities (see a complete list of our member institutions). The Fund raises general operating and scholarship money from foundations and businesses through a federated appeal — a single gift helps all seventeen member campuses and their students.

Are gifts to the Fund tax-deductible?

YES! In most cases, your entire contribution is tax deductible. The Minnesota Private College Fund is a tax-exempt, nonprofit Minnesota corporation. Please get the advice of a tax professional to determine the total amount that can be deducted. A written acknowledgment will be provided for tax purposes. If goods or services are provided in exchange for a contribution, the donor will receive a receipt that includes a good-faith estimate of the value of the goods and services that are not tax deductible.

What is the money used for?

The Fund raises money for two purposes:

• General operating support, which is the toughest funding for campuses to raise — but is absolutely essential to pay for books, lab equipment, computers, utilities, maintenance, etc.
• Scholarship dollars, to provide students from low- and middle-income families the financial means to obtain a quality college education, currently benefiting over 450 students with financial need each year.

Who supports the Fund?

Funding is requested from foundations and businesses. The Fund does not formally solicit individuals for financial support although gifts are accepted from those wishing to participate, such as the annual 100% support from our board of directors. The Fund’s base of over 260 donors value the efficiency of receiving one request on behalf of all 17 schools and then supporting them all with a single gift. The Fund operates appeals across Minnesota which rely on regional chairpersons and a network of volunteers around the state from businesses, community organizations, and our private colleges and universities.

51 foundation and business donors contribute annually to the Minnesota Scholars Program. Another 19 donors each contribute a minimum of $17,000 to fund Named Scholarships. Three additional donors have partnered with the Fund to design special named scholarship programs offering generous scholarships to more than 60 students annually, many of whom are students of color, non-traditional students, or students from low-income families. In addition, the members of our board of directors annually fund the MPCF Directors' Scholarship.

How are funds distributed?

The Fund is a pass-through organization - every dollar raised goes to member schools and their students. Unless otherwise designated by the donor, 60 percent of each gift is divided equally among the schools and 40 percent is divided based on enrollment.

 

What is the Fund’s fiscal/campaign year?

The Fund's annual campaign runs from July 1 to June 30. This parallels our fiscal year, as well as the academic year of many of our member institutions.

 

Who manages the Fund?

A board of directors, consisting of business and community leaders and the presidents of the member colleges and universities, governs the Minnesota Private College Fund. A small, mission-driven staff of professionals carries out day-to-day activities of the Fund. See a list of our board of directors and their affiliations. See Fund staff.

 

How did the Minnesota Private College Fund originate?

In 1951, a group of visionary business leaders recognized Minnesota's private colleges and universities as essential to the state's future and stepped in with financial support. Together with the college presidents, they formed the Minnesota Private College Fund to ensure the colleges' continued independence and high academic standards. Since its inception, the Fund has raised over $76 million. The Fund’s current target is to raise $2 million annually.

 

How can I give to the Fund?

Giving is easy. Check out all of our giving options, or if you have specific questions, call us at 1-888-PRI-FUND or 1-888-774-3863.

 

How can I contact the Fund?

Contact us at 1-888-PRI-FUND or 1-888-774-3863 or send us an e-mail at fund.scholarships@mnprivatecolleges.org.