Ways to Give
Why support Jefferson?
As a college within the State University of New York system, Jefferson Community College’s operational budget is supported by state aid, county sponsor funding, and tuition revenue. Public funding allows Jefferson to provide an affordable, quality education; maintain small class size; recruit and retain quality faculty; and offer cutting-edge technology and facilities.
Private funding through the Jefferson Community College Foundation allows Jefferson to support student accessibility to post-secondary education and success through need-based and merit-based scholarships. Private support also allows us to grow innovative programs and expand campus resources and facilities. We work with donors to create opportunities for innovation in the classroom and in the area of student support services.
Thanks to our community’s generosity, the Jefferson Foundation provides more than 270 scholarships, nearing $300,000 in financial assistance each year to our students.
When you support Jefferson Community College, you are making a statement that you believe in the importance of quality, affordable education for all. You are creating new opportunities and new beginnings for students and our greater community.
Jefferson offers a variety options for making a gift to the College. We value our donors and appreciate each and every gift. Thank you!
How to make a one-time gift
We gratefully accept donations via credit card, cash or check. You choose how to designate your gift – in support of a scholarship, in memory of in honor of an individual, for a specific program or initiative, or unrestricted, meaning the College will apply the gift to the area of greatest need.
- Online giving is often the easiest and most convenient way to make a gift. Simply fill out the secure online giving form and your gift will immediately be put to work!
- If you prefer to make your gift over the phone or by mail, simply call (315) 786-2458 with your Mastercard, Visa, or Discover Card and mail with a check made payable to:
Jefferson Foundation
1220 Coffeen Street
Watertown NY 13601
- Of course we love to meet our generous donors! If you prefer to make your gift in person, our office is located in the Lansing Administration Building and hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – Friday a.m. except in June and July when we close on Fridays at 2:00 p.m.
Types of Gifts
There are many different types of giving. Please contact us when you are considering making a gift and we will help you plan your donation to the Foundation in a way that works best for you.
Memorial and Honorary Gifts
Your generosity can acknowledge someone close to you and create a lasting tribute. All honorary gifts are acknowledged to the honoree, or in the case of memorial gifts, family members are notified of memorial contributions.
Gifts that establish an endowment are an especially effective way to make an honorary or memorial donation, because that gift will live on in perpetuity. Many of Jefferson’s named scholarships are funded through endowments established to honor the memory of loved ones.
Bequests and Planned Giving
If you would like to leave a lasting gift to Jefferson through your estate plans, a bequest is a gift of any form made through your will. To make such a gift in support of Jefferson, it is recommended that the following language be utilized as part of your will:
"I give, devise and bequeath to the Jefferson Community College Foundation, Inc., Watertown, NY 13601, (percentage of, residue, sum, or description of property), the principal and income of which shall be used for (you may describe a specific purpose for the use of your bequest)."
Planned Giving - The McVean Legacy Society
Jefferson recognizes those who have chosen to honor the College with a planned gift with membership to the McVean Legacy Society.
Stock Transfer
The Jefferson Foundation can accept gifts of securities. Your tax advisor and Foundation staff can provide you with additional information.
Other Gifts
Gifts of real estate, artwork, life insurance, collectables, books, and other items with instructional value can be of great benefit to the College. Specific IRS rules regulate this type of giving.
Jefferson Foundation
1220 Coffeen Street
Watertown, NY 13601
foundation@sunyjefferson.edu
Staff
Ben Foster, Foundation Executive Director
(315) 786-2291
bfoster@sunyjefferson.edu
Edie Roggie, Alumni Development Officer
(315) 786-2326
eroggie@sunyjefferson.edu