WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE
There are several ways to become a donor to the Tennessee Fund. Here are just a few of the ways to support the Vols and Lady Vols:
The Tennessee Fund is proud to offer the ability to make a gift to the Tennessee Fund online. All donors to the Tennessee Fund have an online account. If you are visiting the site for the first time and are a current Tennessee Fund member, click here to access your online account using your account number and a valid email address. All new Tennessee Fund members can register directly online by clicking here.
Benefits of Visiting Your Account Online
- View Your Priority Points
- View Your Giving History
- Update Your Mailing Address
- View Your Current Seat Location
- Contribute Online – Contributing online is secure, saves time and postage, and provides immediate confirmation that your gift has been received.
***Gifts for premium seating such as Skybox, East and West Club, Terrace, Basketball Luxury and Loge seats or any capital campaign gift should be made directly to the Tennessee Fund office by phone or mail.
Pledge
You may pledge to join the Tennessee Fund at a specific level and then pay the pledge in installments, completing your pledge by March 1. Statements will be sent periodically throughout the year reminding you of the March 1 deadline and the contribution balance remaining.
Cash Donations
Cash or checks are always acceptable. Gifts are acknowledged by receipt from The University of Tennessee and the Athletic Department. Make all checks payable to The University of Tennessee.
Credit Cards
The Tennessee Fund and Athletic Ticket Office accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. It is important to list the name of the cardholder, the account number and the expiration date on the contribution form.
Bank Draft
By joining the Vol Check-off program you may have your bank account drafted monthly. Please include a voided check along with your completed contribution form. For more information on the Vol Check-off program contact the Tennessee Fund office at (865) 974-1218.
*Each year donors must re-submit the account information needed by the Tennessee Fund office to continue the bank draft.
*To stop the bank draft option, please submit a letter in writing to the Tennessee Fund office notifying us of your decision. You will be expected to fulfill any outstanding balance at that time.
*If your account shows insufficient funds 3 times during any point of your Tennessee Fund membership, your ability to use bank draft as a payment option will be stopped.
Matching Gifts
Many companies will match your gifts to The University of Tennessee. Please consult the benefits office at your place of employment. You may be able to double or triple the value of your gift and benefits. Your initial gift and matching form must be in by March 1, but the matching gift may be completed throughout the year. Many companies are not matching gifts if the donor receives any benefit as a result of the gift. Please check with the Tennessee Fund and the matching company to be sure that the matching sum can be applied to for donor benefits. If the company chooses to stop matching a donor's gift, the donor is responsible for the entire annual contribution to maintain the same benefits.
Gift-In-Kind
A gift-in-kind is a contribution of tangible property such as products, services, equipment or merchandise in place of a cash donation to the Tennessee Fund. These gifts provide budgetary relief for the athletic department while providing tax relief and other benefits for donors including priority to purchase season tickets and parking. All gift-in-kind pledges must be approved by the Tennessee Fund staff before qualifying for priority benefits. For more information, please contact the Tennessee Fund office or complete the Gift-In-Kind Agreement.
Become a Fund Drive Worker
The Tennessee Fund is proud to have over 18,000 Volunteer Fans as members. Those members can help us broaden support for the Big Orange by participating in the Fund Drive Program. Fund Drive workers help expand membership by informing the public about the Tennessee Fund and the numerous avenues of supporting Tennessee Athletics. If you would like information about the Fund Drive Team near you or how to become a Fund Drive worker please Click Here or contact the Tennessee Fund office at (865) 974-1218.
Gifts of Real Property and Securities
Gifts of real property and securities are welcomed and may provide significant tax advantages. Appreciated stocks can be transferred electronically which, in many circumstances, can enable donors to realize significant capital gains tax savings while helping the Tennessee Fund provide essential scholarship support. Benefits for these gifts must be evaluated on an individual case basis.
Estate Gifts
Gifts through wills and bequests can provide you with benefits and the opportunity to sustain your family name through endowed scholarships with The University of Tennessee Athletic Department. Estate gifts can be made with a designated amount, a real asset, or a residual bequest. Consult your attorney. The Tennessee Fund can provide the appropriate wording for inclusion in your planning. Benefits for these gifts must be evaluated on an individual case basis. For more information please visit plannedgiving.tennessee.edu.
Endowments
To provide funding for future Vol and Lady Vol student-athletes, endowments are essential. The opportunity to fully endow a scholarship with the Volunteers exists at the $250,000 level and entitles you to membership in the Nathan Dougherty Society. These gifts can be made over a ten-year period in equal installments. The Tennessee Fund office will provide the appropriate agreements to complete the gift. Benefits for these gifts must be evaluated on an individual case basis.
Life Income Gifts
Charitable remainder trusts can provide current tax advantages while providing the donor with income for a designated period of time or life. They provide the Athletic Department with an endowed scholarship or operating fund gift upon the completion of the trust or donor's death. You also are encouraged to consult your tax advisor. Benefits for these gifts must be evaluated on an individual case basis. For more information please visit plannedgiving.tennessee.edu.
Tax Information
Disclaimer: The following information is not intended to constitute legal advice or other tax counsel and may not be relied on as such. Please consult a personal tax advisor concerning the deductibility of any contribution to the Tennessee Fund.
Under applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), the amount of a contribution that is deductible for federal income tax purposes is limited to the excess of the amount contributed over the value of any goods or services provided to the donor by the University. The Athletic Department will notify you as to the value of any such items. Under current IRC provisions, no more than 80 percent of an amount paid to or for the benefit of an institution of higher education may be treated as a charitable contribution if, as a result of the payment, the donor receives the right to purchase tickets for seating at an athletic event in an athletic stadium at the institution. You should consult your tax advisor to determine whether these provisions apply to you. If you choose to waive all applicable benefits, you must sign a written waiver at the time you make your Tennessee Fund donation.
NCAA Compliance "Playing By the Rules"
The athletic programs of this University are governed by the rules and regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association ("NCAA") and the Southeastern Conference ("SEC"). Current NCAA regulations require that, if you, as a donor to the University of Tennessee athletic program or any person directly or indirectly related or affiliated with you, violate any of the rules and regulations of the NCAA or SEC, the University must disassociate itself from you and any future University related benefits or privileges available to you will be terminated. Your participation in this program and your acceptance of benefits and privileges available from the University as a part of this program is your acknowledgment and agreement that, in the event of any such finding by the NCAA, the SEC or the University, all future benefits and privileges will be canceled and/or forfeited by the University.
