Frequently Asked Questions

What are the levels of the President's Club?

The three levels of recognition are:

• Sparks Circle: annual unrestricted gifts of $5,000 or more
• Hetzel Circle: annual unrestricted gifts of $2,500 - $4,999
• Eisenhower Circle*: annual unrestricted gifts of $1,500 - $2,499

* Only Alumni and friends who are 35 years of age and younger will be offered membership in the Eisenhower Circle. Membership is based on the age of the younger spouse/partner.

What is considered an unrestricted gift?

An unrestricted gift is simply a gift with no restrictions from the donor on how it is to be used-although it can be directed to the university-wide Future Fund or a Future Fund of a particular college or campus and still be considered unrestricted. A list of unrestricted funds counting towards membership can be found by visiting www.GiveTo.PSU.edu/FutureFunds.

Why did the structure of the President's Club change?

Over 99 percent of the funds given to Penn State are designated for a specific use, limiting the university's ability to meet unanticipated opportunities and challenges. In an effort to increase unrestricted support and better meet the needs of students, the President's Club will now recognize its loyal supporters who give generously to unrestricted funds across the University.

Below are just a few examples in which unrestricted gifts can make a difference at Penn State:

• Unexpected Opportunities/Needs: Unrestricted gifts provide the financial flexibility to act decisively when facing unexpected needs. For example, the University played a large role in helping recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina by enrolling displaced college students, counseling those affected by the disaster, and facilitating emergency aid and loans for students in need.
• Student Development: Through hundreds of student organizations and over a thousand educational programs, unrestricted gifts can greatly enhance students' personal and professional growth.
• Faculty Development: Unrestricted gifts can provide a stable, dependable source of income for travel assistance to conferences and special teaching and research materials.

Who can qualify?

Alumni, friends, parents, faculty, and staff are eligible for recognition by the President's Club.

Why are unrestricted gifts important to PSU?

Unrestricted money comes with no strings attached-placing trust in the deans and those who know the school best. It directly supports the University's mission and provides the means for Penn State to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and meet necessary challenges in a timely manner.

Unrestricted funds are particularly valuable because they can be used where they are most urgently needed, such as faculty recruitment and retention, equipment for teaching and research, curriculum and program enhancement, financial aid and student services, and required matching monies for federal grants.

Is President's Club membership based on the calendar year or fiscal year?

Membership is based on the University's fiscal year which runs from July 1 through June 30. To sustain your membership, you must make a gift to an unrestricted fund(s) at the President's Club level every fiscal year.

What types of gifts are accepted towards joining the President's Club?

While all types of gifts are greatly appreciated, only unrestricted, current-use gifts count towards your membership.

• Cash
• Securities
• Gifts from an individual's company
• Gifts from an individual's family foundation
• Gifts from a community foundation where the gift is attributable to a donor-advised fund established by the individual
• Realized bequests
• Matching gifts

Do pledge payments count in the total necessary to qualify?

Yes, pledge payments to qualified unrestricted allocations are included.

Do corporate matching gifts count?

Yes, matching gifts count toward your total giving during the fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Visit www.Matching.PSU.edu or ask your human resources office for a matching gift form, fill it out, and send it to Penn State along with your gift.

If I turn 36 this year, am I still able to qualify for the President's Club at the $1,500 level?

As long as you are 35 during any part of the fiscal year, you are eligible for membership in that fiscal year. For example, if Jane is 35 at the beginning of the fiscal year (July 1, 2007) but turns 36 on July 2, 2007, she is eligible to join the Eisenhower Circle during that fiscal year.

If my partner is 35 or younger but I'm older do are we eligible for junior membership?

Yes. Membership is based on the younger partner's age.

What are the benefits of membership?

The current benefits of membership are listed below.

• The satisfaction of knowing you're one of the University's leadership annual donors who make a difference at Penn State
• Invitations to the annual President's Club Reception held at University Park.
• President's Club lapel pins for first-time members
• Quarterly updates from President Spanier on recent happenings at Penn State as well as various periodicals and e-newsletters that keep Penn State's friends and alumni up-to-date on the University-wide impact of private support

Who do I contact with questions?

Call 1-888-800-9163 or e-mail presidentsclub@psu.edu.