There are several ways to become a donor to the Tennessee Fund. To obtain donor benefits, it is important to complete your gift prior to MARCH 1 of each year, but as long as we have tickets available we will continue to process donor contributions after March 1. Below are various ways to support the Vols. The Tennessee Fund does not accept online donations.

Pledge
You may pledge to join the Tennessee Fund at a specific level and 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 the Tennessee Fund office has received.

Cash Donations 
Cash, checks or money orders 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 card.

Bank Drafts
By joining the Vol Check-off program, you may have your bank account drafted monthly. Each year, this program will automatically continue to draft your donation amount from your checking account unless you cancel the program in writing. To sign up for this option, contact the Tennessee Fund office. We will mail the Check-off application to you.

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 your donor benefits status. If the company chooses to cease matching a donor's gift, the donor is responsible for the entire annual contribution to maintain the same benefits. Contact Suzie Miller in the Tennessee Fund office at (865) 974-1218 for additional information.

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.

Gifts of Real Property and Securities
Gifts of real property and securities are welcomed and may provide significant tax advantages for donors. Appreciated stocks can be transferred electronically which, in some circumstances, can enable donors to realize significant capital gains tax savings while helping the Tennessee Fund provide essential scholarship support. Consult your tax advisor for details and/or contact Mark Ingram in the Tennessee Fund office at (865) 974-1218. Benefits of 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 of these gifts must be evaluated on an individual case basis. Contact Mark Ingram in the Tennessee Fund office at (865) 974-1218 for additional information. For detailed information please visit plannedgiving.tennessee.edu.

Endowments
To provide funding for future 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 of these gifts must be evaluated on an individual case basis. Contact Mark Ingram or Jennifer Nelson at (865) 974-1218 for additional information.

Life Income Gifts
Charitable remainder trusts provide several advantages over cash, securities or real property. They provide the donor with income for a designated period of time or life. They provide the Athletic Department with an endowed scholarship gift upon the completion of the trust or donor's death. Possible tax advantages could exist. Contact Mark Ingram or Jennifer Nelson at (865) 974-1218 for additional information. You also are encouraged to consult your tax advisor. Benefits of these gifts must be evaluated on an individual case basis. For detailed information please visit plannedgiving.tennessee.edu.

Tax Information
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. In addition, the IRC provides that 80 percent of an amount paid to or for the benefit of an institution of higher education shall 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. Consult your tax advisor to determine whether these provisions apply to you. In order to deduct 100 percent of your gift you must waive, in writing, all benefits applicable to your Tennessee Fund donation.