Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of gifts can I make to LMU?
There are many ways to give, and many kinds of gifts you can make to Loyola Marymount University. You can
make a gift online now with your credit card. You can make a gift by check or phone. LMU also welcomes gifts of securities, planned gifts, gifts of art or personal property and corporate matching gifts.
Back to top
You can make a current-year gift now online using our secure transaction form. Or e-mail us at developmentservices@lmu.edu . The pledge year is from June 1 to May 31.
Back to top
Will my company or my spouse’s company match my gift to LMU?
More than 1,000 companies offer matching gift programs that can double, or even triple, your gift to LMU. LMU received $165,362 in matching gifts from 373 donors in 2006-2007. Click here to check our
database of companies. Your company's gift will support the same important program as your personal gift.
Back to top
Am I recognized for my matching gift?
Absolutely. You will receive recognition credit which applies to membership in our leadership programs such as the Presidential Associates. We will also confirm with you that we received your company’s matching gift.
Back to top
If I give to LMU, where does my money go?
Every gift to LMU makes a world of difference in the life of the university. Students, faculty and staff all feel the benefits of your gift. As LMU's needs continue to evolve and grow, your generosity helps us become more ourselves. We can offer scholarships and financial aid to attract top students, recruit the best faculty and students with world-class facilities and develop our students into men and women for others through challenging innovative programs.
Back to top
I have heard LMU say every gift has an impact, but how will my $5, $20, or $50 gift to LMU really make a difference?
All gifts small and large make an impact, because they collectively create opportunities for our students and faculty. For an example, 50 gifts of $20 will provide a deserving LMU student with a $1,000 scholarship which could allow the student to reduce his or her work hours at part-time job and instead study, research or volunteer within our Los Angeles community.
To learn more about other ways your gift counts click here.
Back to top
What is the difference between The Fund for LMU (Annual Fund) and the Campaign?
By contributing to
The Fund for LMU, our annual fund, you are contributing to our campaign. The goal of our comprehensive campaign is to raise the endowment and operating funds to support capital projects (new facilities), provide additional support to existing programs, create new programs, chair positions and faculty positions and provide merit and need-based aid to talented students who will become our future leaders.
Back to top
What is the difference between The Fund for LMU (Annual Fund) and the endowment?
The Fund for LMU, our annual fund, supports the annual needs of the university to provide a meaningful educational experience. We access these funds throughout the year as needed and they are designated for current year use, much like a check book. An
endowment is similar to a saving account; these funds are invested for future initiatives to ensure longevity of programs, scholarships and other student-centered programs. LMU usually spends only 5% the investment earnings from its endowment so that we can save for future needs of the university.
Back to top
How do I donate to The Fund for LMU or the Campaign?
You can participate in the success of the Right Place. Right Time. Campaign for LMU by supporting the university through a gift of any size to
The Fund for LMU.
To donate, click here.Back to top
What is the duration of The Fund for LMU (Annual Fund) year, and why do I need to donate every year?
The annual fund year is June 1 through May 31 of every year. When you participate in
The Fund for LMU, you provide direct and immediate support for our extraordinary students and faculty. Their needs are ongoing and that is why your yearly support of The Fund for LMU is crucial providing an exceptional LMU educational experience.
Back to top
What is the Kresge Challenge?
In 2006, the Kresge Foundation challenged LMU to raise the remaining $10 million of the $55 million needed to build the William H. Hannon Library by May 31, 2008. New donor gifts of all sizes helped us meet this challenge. We also increased alumni participation from 13 to 15%. We met our goals and the Kresge Foundation awarded LMU $1 million towards the construction of the new library. Thank you to all that participated.
Back to top
What is the LionsFund?
LionsFund provides support to LMU Athletics. It assists in meeting the annual needs of LMU's 20 intercollegiate teams through scholarships and team support. Your gift to LionsFund helps provide the resources needed for LMU Athletics to achieve the highest level of success both athletically and academically and are critical in the LMU Athletics’ goal of Building Champions .
Back to top
How do I make an honor or memorial gift to the University?
You can show your support through a gift to the Annual Fund or through an endowed gift. To contribute to the
Fund for LMU, you may
make a gift online using our secure transaction form. Indicate the name of the person you would like to honor or memorialize in the special instructions area. If you’d like to make an endowed gift, email us at donorservices@lmu.edu .
Back to top
Is attending Alumni events the same as giving a gift?
Our goal is to provide meaningful alumni events for you to network and reconnect with the university and other alumni. The Alumni Association absorbs the majority of all event costs. There are situations where we ask you to help us defray some of those costs through a minimal fee. That money unless specified, is not a donation to the LMU. We are also blessed by alumni who sponsor an event. Please let us know if you are interested in sponsoring or hosting an event at alumni@lmu.edu.
Learn more about current alumni events.
Back to top
What kind of gift offers the greatest tax advantages for donors?
A gift of appreciated securities. When you donate securities, you not only receive credit for the current market value of the stock; you avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation.
Click here to find out other ways that giving to LMU can make a difference for you.
Back to top
Can I designate my gift for a specific purpose?
We hope all donors will make a gift to the Right Place. Right Time. Campaign for LMU. You may direct your gift for a specific purpose or to support a college, school or program that is meaningful to you. Your gift can be designated for current use or to build a lasting legacy. You can select from a list of priorities or indicate your special preference when
donating online or to create an enduring legacy contact donorservices@lmu.edu .
Back to top
What is the minimum gift/pledge needed to establish an endowed fund or scholarship?
You can contribute any gift amount to a pooled endowment fund. To create a named endowed scholarship or fund, a gift of at least $50,000 is required.
Back to top
I understand that I can make a gift to LMU and receive income from it. How does this work?
LMU offers a number of Planned Giving options. These life income gifts include pooled income funds - which operate similarly to mutual funds, charitable gift annuities and various trust arrangements.
Learn more about our planned giving resources.Back to top
How can I make a gift through my estate plan?
Your bequest to the University or any of its schools or colleges through your will or living trust can take any of a number of forms. You can bequeath a specific dollar amount, or a portion of what remains after your obligations to others are fulfilled. You can designate your bequest to support the University as a whole, or a specific college or school. Through your bequest you can establish a permanent named fund for scholarships, program support, professorships, or the like.
For more information about naming opportunities click here.Back to top
Why are reunion gifts important?
Your reunion gift sets an example for tomorrow's alumni, creating a tradition of alumni giving and ensuring the benefits of an LMU education for future generations of students. Celebrate all of what LMU means to you and share the spirit of giving lives on for generations by contributing to your reunion gift.
Back to top