FAQ

Why does the McCombs School of Business need my support?

Private philanthropy closes the funding gap not covered by tuition, fees and declining state appropriations. State funding previously provided 47 percent of the university's budget. Today that number is 11 percent. Your participation is as important as the amount you give, since alumni contributions are often a factor considered in business school rankings.

 

How do we compare to other top business schools?

The percentage of a school’s alumni who financially support their alma mater is one factor that influences national rankings (U.S. News and World Report) because it is considered to be an indicator of alumni satisfaction. Only six percent of McCombs alumni have contributed to the McCombs School in recent years, compared to an average of 25 percent by the alumni of peer schools.

The McCombs School must continue to compete for top students and faculty to become recognized as the best business school in the nation. We must rely on a greater percentage of its alumni to contribute to necessary resources above and beyond current state funding and tuition income.

 

Why is unrestricted giving important?

Unrestricted funds make a sizable impact in the quality of our program. They provide the dean the flexibility necessary to capitalize on new opportunities and initiatives that we would otherwise be unable to pursue. Additionally, they help the dean maintain the quality and performance of our faculty, our programs and our students.

 

What is the McCombs Leadership Society?

The McCombs Leadership Society consists of donors who have given $1,000 ($500 for student contributions) and above in an academic year (September-August) or have given $500,000 cumulatively. 

 

What are the giving levels of the McCombs Leadership Society?

• Lifetime Leaders: $500,000+ cumulative gift
• Dean's Circle: $10,000+ annual gift
• Dean's Fellows: $5,000-$9,999 annual gift
• Dean's Associates: $1,000-$4,999 annual gift (discounted to $500 for student contributions, $1,000-$9,999 prior to 9-1-10)

What are the benefits of belonging to a McCombs Leadership Society?

Visit the McCombs Leadership Society page for a list of benefits.

 

Do employers match gifts to the McCombs School?

Many companies match their employees’ charitable gifts dollar-for-dollar or more. Visit http://matchinggifts.com/utexas to see if your company offers a matching gift program or contact your HR representative for more information on your company’s policy.  Employer matching gifts are counted toward your cumulative total.

 

Are gifts tax-deductible?

Yes. In most cases the full value of your gift is tax-deductible.

 

Where can I obtain information on how to make gifts and accepted forms of payment?

Please see the Other Ways to Give section for information on making gifts and accepted forms of payment.