Invest in Our Future
Elevate Western with a Gift Today
Making a gift to the Western Fund supports Western’s area of greatest need.
Have a specific fund in mind or wanting to support a specific program at Western? Explore the online giving directory below.
Need help directing your donation? Contact the Development staff at foundation@western.edu or 970.943.2237
Online Giving Directory
Campaign Priorities
Departments and Programs
Different Types of Gifts
Planned or Deferred Gifts
Shape the future of Western Colorado University while securing financial benefits for yourself through strategic gift planning. Explore how a planned gift can secure your support for WCU and support your future.
Match Your Gift
Did you know that many employers will double or even triple your gift? Some companies even match gifts made by retirees and spouses. Check if your company matches using our Matchfinder tool.
Join the President's Club
Join the President’s Club – 1923
Commemorating a pivotal moment in our history.
The President’s Club – 1923 invites you to play a pivotal role in shaping our future. By donating $1,923 to the Western Fund, you affirming your dedication to our institution’s values and goals. We recognize that every gift is a testament to your belief in the transformative power of education, and we are immensely grateful for your support.
As a member of the President’s Club – 1923, you will enjoy a unique set of benefits, symbolizing our deep appreciation for your generosity. These benefits include:
- VIP Invitation to events including an opportunity to sit in the President’s suite in the newly renovated Mountaineer Bowl at the Rady Family Sports Complex.
- Exclusive updates from the President’s office
- Timeless Western memorabilia
New Alumni President’s Club – 1923
Become a member of the President’s Club by making a monthly contribution of $19.23.
The significance of 1923 is when Western transitioned into a four-year institution, marking a milestone in our history. By joining at this exclusive new alumni level, available only to alumni who’ve graduated in the previous five years, you’re honoring a significant moment for Western Colorado University.
As a member of the President’s Club – 1923, you will enjoy a unique set of benefits, symbolizing our deep appreciation for your generosity. These benefits include:
- VIP Invitation to events including an opportunity to sit in the President’s suite in the newly renovated Mountaineer Bowl at the Rady Family Sports Complex.
- Exclusive updates from the President’s office
- Timeless Western memorabilia
Other Ways to Give
From the simple outright gift to the complex estate plan, we are well versed in legal and tax benefits achieved with proper gift planning. The examples described below are only a few ways that we can plan a gift around your needs. As you know, certain methods of giving provide tax or estate planning benefits. You should consult your independent advisor before implementing any plan.
The simplest way to support Western is with your gift of cash/check. Please make your check payable to “WCU Foundation” and mail to:
Western Colorado University
Foundation PO Box 1264
Gunnison, CO 81230
You can direct your banking institution to issue payments directly to Western Colorado University on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Print off the EFT Form and return along with a voided check to:
Western Colorado University Foundation
PO Box 1264
Gunnison, CO 81230
Or reach out to our team to set up your Electronic Funds Transfer.
Please note that many employers match the charitable contributions of their employees. Ask your employer or use our match finder to find out if such a program exists. Matching gifts are a great way to leverage your donation.
Contact our Foundation Development Team and we’ll send you our pledge form to complete and return.
Depending on the circumstances, gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds or other securities held in excess of one year are often very tax wise. Such gifts are one of the preferred methods for giving for major donors. However, many other donors can and should take advantage of this tax saving technique.
Reach out to a Foundation team member to execute a securities gift.
Direct gifts of appreciated property such as books, furnishings, works of art, automobiles or other personal property can provide additional tax savings compared to a distribution of the proceeds from the private sale of such assets. In order to get these savings, the donated property must relate to the use of a particular Western program, or its overall goals. Since Western provides many disciplines and services, we can accept most gifts of property.
Learn more about giving personal property today.
You can also contribute appreciated real estate to Western. Examples are personal residences, ranches, commercial property and most any other real estate. Some gifts of ranch property and personal residences can provide a current (deductible) gift, yet allow you to retain the right to live on or farm the property for life or the joint lives of your or your spouse.
Learn more about giving real property today.
Donors often name Western Colorado University Foundation in their wills. These gifts can take many forms. Such gifts may benefit both loved ones and Western if made in Trust (e.g., a Testamentary Charitable Remainder or Lead Trust). To receive examples of language for testamentary outright bequests or gifts in Trust, contact our office.
Learn more about giving through a will today.
We're Here to Help
Are you looking for information on philanthropic contributions? We’re here to help guide you. We can assist in establishing a donation, discuss the significance of giving, and explore potential causes that align with your interests.
It’s worth noting that many contributions extend their benefits beyond our campus and students; in certain instances, they also offer tangible advantages to donors who play a pivotal role in enabling our initiatives.
To connect with our Development Team, you can reach us at 970.943.2237 or email us at foundation@western.edu