Today's Vision...Tomorrow's Reality

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Frequently Asked Questions Relating the College's Fund Raising Campaign

Who is conducting the "Today's Vision...Tomorrow's Reality A Foundation for Progress" campaign? The Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) Board of Governors, McCook College Foundation (MCF) Board and the North Platte Community College Foundation (NPCCF) Board have agreed to conduct the campaign. We have College and Foundation staff members that are assigned to manage the campaign with the professional assistance of The Clements Group. The Clements Group has 20 years of experience and has assisted over 600 community colleges with fundraising efforts.

As a public college, why does MPCC need to raise private dollars? MPCC is a "state and locally assisted" institution. State and local support provides funding for basic college operations. However, the types of academic opportunities and enhancements that make MPCC truly exceptional must many times be funded by private sources.

How much money is the College trying to raise? The Feasibility Study suggested we have a goal of $14-$19 million.

How will the money be used? The $14-19 million raised will fund three major initiatives that are crucial to the future of our College Area:

• The construction of a new Events Center located on the McCook Community College campus
• ($10 million, including a $500,000 endowment).
• The construction of a new Health Complex located on North Platte Community College's South Campus
• ($9 million, including a $500,000 endowment).
• A "best use" fund that will give the Board of Governors resources to support innovative responses to area needs ($1 million).

What is an endowment? The definition of an endowment is a permanent fund bestowed upon an individual, group, or institution, such as a university, museum, hospital or foundation, to generate income to be used for a specific purpose. A $500,000 endowment for each of these projects will help to fund the on-going operation and maintenance of the Events Center and Health Complex.

Will the campaign accept multi-year pledges? Yes! Multi-year pledges of not more than five years are acceptable. Multi-year pledges enable investors (donors) to make more significant investments than might be possible with a one-time gift. They can also help donors optimize the tax savings from their gifts.

Does the campaign request only cash donations? No! We encourage individuals to give consideration to non-cash gifts. We recommend donors discuss such gifts with tax, financial and legal advisors, as well as with our campaign staff to determine whether a proposed gift will align with the mission of the College.

May I designate my gift for a particular purpose? Yes! Gifts can be designated to a particular area of personal interest. In fact, each donor is encouraged to indicate how his or her gift(s) is(are) to be directed. Each of the two foundations - the McCook College Foundation (MCF) and the North Platte Community College Foundation (NPCCF)is responsible for certain projects, and both foundations have a "best use" fund. Gifts designated to the Events Center will be directed to MCF and gifts to the Health Complex will be directed to NPCCF.

Are there opportunities for naming or memorial donations? Yes! There are opportunities for gifts made in honor of, or in memory of, individuals, families, groups, organizations, and so on. Donors interested in a gift of this nature need to contact the MPCC Institutional Advancement Office (308) 535-3681.

Will donors be recognized? Yes! All gifts will be recognized unless you, the donor, choose to remain anonymous. Your wishes will be honored and respected. Each facility will have specific locations dedicated to recognizing donors. A specific gift amount will not be included with each name, but several giving ranges may be listed with their associated lists of names. Of course, the specified naming opportunities associated with each of the new buildings provide for perpetual recognition of the donor.

Will the campaign accept anonymous gifts? Yes! The donor's wishes will be honored. We do encourage the donor to accept the appropriate recognition, as it helps other current and potential donors to know who is committed to the growth and development of our College.

Is a contribution to the campaign tax-deductible? Yes! Both MCF and NPCCF are 501(c)3 non-profit corporations. Therefore, gifts deposited in these foundations are considered tax deductible to the extent allowable under the law.

Does the campaign want only large donations? No, any amount is appreciated and valued. Giving is a personal matter, and one should not overextend one's personal finances through donations.

Will my contribution make a difference? Yes! Every gift makes a difference in the future of Mid Plains Community College. Every gift moves the College closer to completing the proposed projects.

How can I participate in the campaign? If you would like to volunteer, please contact Terri Burchell, Campaign Manager (308) 535-3681, at the MPCC Institutional Advancement Office.