Giving Opportunities
The giving opportunities below provide you with a selection of choices to support Florida A&M University (FAMU). You could choose to give to the University annually, make a large gift or pledge to the University to help grow the endowment, or develop a planned gift that combines several giving opportunities that not only enables you to maximize your gift, but it helps the University plan for the future and at the same time provide for current needs. Many of the giving opportunities below can be established and named according to your interests, circumstances and philanthropic goals.
FAMU’s annual giving program is a year-round effort to raise funds for use in areas of greatest needs and for operational purposes. Therefore, it is a key component of FAMU’s private support program. Your annual gift will make the largest impact when you designate it as an unrestricted gift. This allows us the flexibility to use the annual funds for purposes, as intended, in areas of greatest needs and for operational purposes. You may receive annual mailings or phone calls from your favorite academic unit and program reminding you of the annual fund tradition at FAMU. However, you may make your annual contribution simply by clicking here.
The Office of University Advancement works hard to build relationships between the University and private organizations. If you're looking to engage the University in any way, we would love to show how we can create a philanthropic program that aligns with your business objectives and increase your company's visibility campus wide. Please contact us today!
Endowed funds are established with a predetermined amount of funds. Those funds are invested, therefore permanently available. Then, the earnings are used to support your interest as a donor. FAMU has a variety of gift opportunities that can be endowed such as the general endowment fund, scholarship funds, buildings, building components, and special initiative funds. The minimum contribution for creating an endowment is $25,000. The payout terms are established annually by the FAMU Foundation Board. We invite you to discuss the financial requirements and process for establishing an endowed fund with the development staff in the Office of University Advancement.
In general, you can select to:
- Restrict an endowed fund by naming it or aligning it with a special interest, or both.
- Unrestrict the funds and allow FAMU to use the fund where the need is greatest.
You are FAMU's greatest advocate and play a significant role in the life of the University. When you give back, you express your support, love, and belief in FAMU's mission and culture of excellence. All gifts, of any size, assist the University in reaching its goal. Please feel free to give to any fund you care about. Click Here.
FAMU Car Tags
If you're a Florida resident, a way to support FAMU is to order a Florida A&M University specialty license plate from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV). According to the DMV, if you want to display a personal message on your license plate you will be ordering a personalized license plate. Personalized license plates are available for both cars and motorcycles. For a car you can specify up to seven (7) characters. For a motorcycle you can specify up to 6 characters. You are required to provide an explanation of the message, initials, or other information you are conveying. For more information, please contact your local DMV. Click Here
Planned Gifts
To help you get started on your plans and legacy, you can use FreeWill, an online tool that guides you through the process of creating a legally valid will or trust. It’s easy to use, accessible online and can be completed in 20 minutes. You can use this resource on its own, use it to document your wishes before finalizing your plans with an attorney. Click Here
Outside Bequest
Have you already included a gift in your will or trust to FAMU?
Please take a minute to fill out this form so we can thank you for your lasting commitment to and ensure our records are up-to-date! Click Here
Give from your IRA
If you are 70.5 or older and have a traditional IRA, you can use this secure online tool to make a donation from your IRA account. IRA gifts are generally not recognized as taxable income and if you must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) this year, giving from your IRA is a compassionate way to fulfill it. Using this online tool, you can learn more and fill out the forms from your IRA custodian in just a few minutes, or print out the forms to fill them out offline. Click Here
Non-probate assets
Do you have an IRA, 401(k), life-insurance policy, or any other assets not included in your will? If so, these are called non-probate assets and you must plan your beneficiaries for them separately. Use this online tool to make your plans and designate us as a beneficiary of one or more of these assets. Click Here
Naming Opportunities
Naming opportunities are usually endowed. You can establish a lasting tribute to yourself, a loved one or the lifetime achievement of an outstanding individual. Generally, you can select to establish a named fund in any gift opportunity available at FAMU. However, popular naming opportunities include contributing to scholarships, faculty support, fellowships, lectureships, programs, cutting-edge research, buildings, maintenance, building renovations, and physical spaces such as lobbies, gardens, grounds and walkways.
The 21st Century Brick Campaign
The 21st Century Brick Campaign offers you an excellent opportunity to dedicate a
space in the central courtyard of the University, while commemorating a special person.
You can also purchase a brick as a memorial of your personal association with FAMU.
Location Choices: The bricks are prominently located at the center of the campus between Lee Hall and
Samuel H. Coleman Memorial Library.
The entrance of Lee Hall has 12 diamond-shaped cuts that houses 55 bricks. Your brick
can be placed in this premium space for a donation of $500. The 21st Century Walkway
is located prominently around the Eternal flame and extends from Lee Hall to Coleman
Library. A donation of $100 will enable you to place your brick along a walkway. Please
contact us for more information.
FAMU Libraries Endowed Gifts Program
The FAMU Libraries system is made up of the Samuel H. Coleman Memorial Library, and three branch libraries: the Science and Research Center Library, the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication Resources Center and the School of Architecture Library. The FAMU Libraries also support the FAMUFSU College of Engineering Reading Room and the FAMU Developmental Research School. By creating an endowed gift, a named gift or adding to the Libraries Endowed Fund, you will ensure that the library is a permanent source of comprehensive resources for future generations of students.
Your gifts will help the library to obtain the necessary resources to help strengthen and enhance teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs, and expand emphasis on international education. Also, they will help to improve facilities, increase the technology to ensure that links to state and national libraries through electronic library services are upgraded and maintained, and preserve library materials throughout the FAMU Libraries system. To find out more about giving to the libraries systems, please contact the Office of University Advancement.