Why FutureMakers Matter
Donors provide student scholarship gifts to offset tuition, equipment and textbook expenses. They furnish and upgrade labs with the latest in tools, machines and equipment. Volunteers donate their time and expertise by serving on program advisory committees, quality review panels, help with fundraising, and assisting with day-to-day foundation activities.
Our donor partners are diverse but they share one common goal: they believe in Southwest Tech and want to see our students succeed.
Foundation Funds ListScholarships
The Southwest Tech Foundation’s scholarship program provides financial resources to hundreds of students in need.
Annual Scholarship Program
A person, business or organization can establish their own criteria and students will receive it knowing it came from said person, business or organization. This scholarship typically is established with a gift of at least $250 and is an annual scholarship. Annual scholarships are also established when a donor makes an initial gift and then scholarships are awarded from that gift for several years.
Endowed Scholarship
Establish a special account from which a portion of the earnings are distributed annually for scholarships or special projects. Benefactors who fund these endowed accounts have the satisfaction of knowing that they are creating a gift in perpetuity. Accounts are endowed when they have reached $12,500. This can be given as one gift or through a series of gifts.
The Southwest Tech Community Scholarship Program
Designed to create and enhance pathways for students to attend, succeed and graduate from Southwest Tech, this program plays to the strengths of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. The premise behind the program is a simple one: Alumni and friends from district communities with ties to Southwest Tech can set contribute to a pooled scholarship fund to support incoming Southwest Tech students from their community.
- Cash & Securities
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For many of the supporters of the Foundation, cash donations are quite popular. They are tax deductible, potentially offering federal and state tax savings. Foundation Gift Commitment Form
Gifts Of Securities
Gifting securities to the Foundation enables donors to make substantial contributions to the Foundation while providing an opportunity to avoid capital gains.
- In-Kind Gifts
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In-kind donations are goods provided at no cost to the Southwest Tech Foundation in lieu of a monetary gift. Provided the gift is one that meets a college need, we appreciate gifts of non-cash tangible assets which may be used to further the education and training of students, or gifts which benefit the administrative operations of the College.
For more information, please visit our In-Kind Giving page.
- Real Estate
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A gift of real estate provides a lasting benefit to the College while relieving you of the responsibilities of property ownership/liquidation and generating a charitable deduction and other tax advantages. These gifts could include residences, vacation homes, farms, forest land, commercial property, income-producing property, or undeveloped land. Typically, gifts of real estate are sold as soon as practically and prudently possible to meet your needs and directives.
- Planned Gifts
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Planning a deferred gift to the Foundation is a practical way for you to actualize your philanthropic goals and at the same time realize significant tax savings. A deferred gift is one that is made currently, but received by the Foundation at a future date.
The following are examples of methods for making a deferred gift:
- Wills
- Charitable remainder trusts/charitable lead trusts
- Charitable and deferred gift annuities
- Unitrusts
- Gifts of life insurance
Donors interested in a planned gift should complete the Gifts of Tomorrow form and return it to the Southwest Tech Foundation.
More information on Planned Giving Options
Individuals who show their support by including the Southwest Tech Foundation in their estate planning become members of the Southwest Tech President's Visionary Circle.
- Memorials
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Many donors wish to give in memory or in honor of a loved one or a special friend. Endowments, scholarships, and equipment purchases are only a few of the many memorial and honorary gift opportunities available to donors. Foundation Gift Commitment Form
- Payroll Deduction
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Payroll deduction is an easy way for Southwest Tech employees to make gifts directly and automatically from a paycheck to an area or fund you truly believe in and want to support. When you make a payroll deduction gift, you may instruct the College to withhold a minimum contribution of $1 per pay-period (no less than 3 installments) or until you instruct us to discontinue the withholding.
To make your gift(s) via payroll deduction, simply complete the Payroll deduction Authorization Form in the Foundation area of the Hub.
Southwest Tech has several ways to support students in addition to scholarships. If you want to make a difference in a student’s life or provide training equipment for faculty, staff and students consider these other opportunities to provide assistance below.
Support a Charger
All of the funds in this account are used to help prospective students overcome barriers keeping them from enrolling/continuing at Southwest Tech such as application fees or testing fees.
Charger Annual Fund
The Charger Annual Fund is a fund of unrestricted gifts that allows our Southwest Tech campus leaders the flexibility to fund worthwhile projects and programs that other funding does not support at the necessary levels.
Planned Giving
Leave your mark at Southwest Tech. A planned gift as part of your long-term estate and financial plans will support our students and programs far into the future while still ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of. Contact the Foundation staff for more information.
Charger Dream Fund
This fund is dedicated to helping students during a time of financial crisis. One-time grants up to $500 are awarded to students in order that their education not be interrupted.
Pave it Forward and Giving Tree Program
The Giving Tree Program was established so individuals could sponsor a living tribute in honor of a loved one or special event and the Pave it Forward Program was created to leave your footprint by sponsoring a brick, bench, or table in our new patio while contributing to the ongoing beautification of campus. For more information see the Pave it Forward and Giving Tree Program brochure .
In-Kind Gifts
Southwest Tech accepts automobiles, equipment and other in-kind donations that provide hands-on training for our students as they prepare for the workforce.
Please contact the Southwest Tech Foundation to discuss any of the above giving opportunities for Southwest Tech. To make cash contributions you can Donate Today.
Thank you for your support!
Disclaimer: The Foundation makes no representations nor offers any legal or tax advice about the benefits or other consequences of your giving gifts to the Foundation. You are encouraged to consult with your attorney and/or your financial advisor on such matters.