OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT
Nicholls State University depends on support from alumni, parents, private foundations, corporations and organizations to help meet the increasing needs of providing academic excellence for students in the Bayou Region and beyond.
The Office of Advancement is charged with planning and executing annual fund campaigns, capital campaigns, endowments, planned giving initiatives and other fund-raising activities to provide financial support for Nicholls State University.
Please feel free to call, write or e-mail the Office of Advancement for more information about providing support to Nicholls.
Our Mission:
The Office of Advancement works to advance opportunities for Nicholls State University to provide vibrant educational experiences in the cultural heart of the Bayou region by working closely with the Nicholls Foundation, Colonel Athletic Association and Alumni Federation.
HAVE A QUESTION? CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT AT 985.448.4009
Bon Vin is Nicholls’ annual wine tasting fundraiser supporting general student scholarships through the Office of Advancement.
The Nicholls Foundation supports Nicholls State University by raising and managing private gifts to fund student scholarships, programs, and campus priorities.
The Colonel Athletic Association supports Nicholls Athletics by funding scholarships, facilities, and programs that enhance the student-athlete experience.
The Nicholls Alumni Federation connects and supports alumni while promoting pride, tradition, and lifelong involvement with Nicholls State University.
WAYS TO GIVE
OUTRIGHT GIFTS
Outright gifts, such as cash, checks, credit cards, securities, or real estate, directly benefit Nicholls and are simple to make. These gifts may be tax-deductible and should be made payable to the Nicholls State University Foundation.
GIFT PLEDGES
Gift pledges let donors commit to a larger gift paid over 3 to 5 years. Pledges are written promises made anytime and can be fulfilled with monthly payments by check or recurring credit card charges.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, AmEx, Discover) offer a convenient way to make one-time or monthly gifts. Call the development office at 985.448.4009 to donate.
WHAT IS AN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP?
An endowed scholarship at Nicholls State University begins with a minimum contribution of $10,000. The defining feature of an endowed scholarship is that the principal amount (the endowment) is invested at a 5% rate, and only the income or interest generated from that investment is used to fund scholarship awards. This ensures the scholarship’s long-term sustainability, as the principal remains intact and continues to support future students.
Endowed scholarships at Nicholls are typically established with specific eligibility criteria, such as academic achievement, financial need, or a connection to a particular field of study or demographic group. The fund can also be named in honor of the donor or another individual of significance, such as a former professor or alumnus.
An endowed scholarship provides a lasting financial resource that offers consistent support to students. Its primary benefit is its ability to support multiple generations of students, ensuring long-term stability and impact.
MATCHING GIFTS
Many corporations will match their employee contributions to Nicholls State University and other non-profits. Some matches are one-to-one, so your gift, for example, of $25 can mean $50 to Nicholls. There are a few companies that offer two-to-one or even three-to-one matches. Please check with your Human Resources department for the necessary forms to complete and send with your donation. The Office of Development will verify your gift and communicate back with your company.
Matching corporate gifts are entered as gifts from your employer, but you will receive “soft credit” for the company gift. Using the example above, you would be recognized as a donor at the $50 level.
ADVANCEMENT STAFF
Jeremy Becker, MBA, CFRE
Lacey Hoffpauir Crochet, MBA
Title: Chief Innovation Officer
Department: Offices of Advancement, Research & Sponsored Programs, and Economic Development & Innovation
Email: lacey.crochet@nicholls.edu
Phone: 985-448-4060
Office Location: 125 Elkins Hall
Shane M. Kliebert
Emily Weimer Bourgeois, M. Ed.
Office Location:125 Elkins Hall
PLANNED GIVING
The Nicholls Foundation offers a number of opportunities for you to consider when planning your specific asset management strategy. Listed below are brief descriptions of vehicles you may wish to discuss with your attorney or tax planning specialist. We encourage you to discuss your gift with our Office of Development before finalizing any planned giving strategy for proper beneficiary language. The office can be reached at 985.448.4009.
This information is not to be considered legal, accounting or tax advice. Please seek the advice of competent counsel before making any important decisions.
Planned Giving
Life-income funds and other planned gifts are extraordinary ways for alumni or friends of Nicholls to make substantial gifts while benefiting from the income during their lifetime. These irrevocable gifts provide favorable tax deductions and often reduce capital gains taxes on appreciated securities. For information about planned giving, please call the Office of Development at 985.448.4009.
Life Insurance
A gift of life insurance may be made to benefit the university as an outright or planned gift. As with other forms of planned giving, the gift of a life insurance policy can offer certain tax advantages. An existing policy may be transferred, or a new policy may be purchased specifically as a means of gifting to Nicholls through the Nicholls State University Foundation. (Please note that that this applies to whole life policies only.)
Many of us purchase life insurance to ensure the financial stability of our families in the event of an untimely death. If your circumstances have changed, and you have a life insurance policy you may no longer need, you might consider naming the Nicholls Foundation as beneficiary. The Office of Development can assist with proper beneficiary designation.
Bequests
A gift by bequest through a will or trust is another way to leave a legacy at Nicholls State University. Bequests allow donors full use of their capital during their lifetimes, and such gifts are very important to the university to help build endowments for scholarships and other needs.
Bequests can take one of several forms, including a bequest to leave a specific amount, a fixed percentage or as a remainder bequest after all other bequests have been satisfied. You can also bequeath real property, such as your home or other real estate, and tangible personal property, such as rare books, artwork and other collectibles. If you have already prepared your will or trust, your attorney can help you modify it by adding a codicil to include a gift to the Nicholls State University Foundation.
Please note that all bequests to benefit the university should list the Nicholls State University Foundation Inc. as the beneficiary. For sample bequest language, contact the Office of Development.
Charitable Annuities and Trusts
There are other forms of planned giving that offer benefits to the donor and/or a designated beneficiary while providing a donation to the university.
- A charitable gift annuity can be created by transferring cash or securities valued at $10,000 or more to the Nicholls Foundation, and in return, the donor receives guaranteed fixed payments for life of the donor and/or a designated beneficiary.
- There are other similar vehicles available to you to benefit Nicholls through the Nicholls State University Foundation. Your tax adviser or estate planning attorney can assist you in determining which instrument best meets your needs while also benefiting Nicholls.
ENDOWMENTS
Naming Opportunities
There are numerous naming opportunities, such as classrooms, conference rooms, academic centers and other areas. For information about naming opportunities, call the Office of Development at 985.448.4009.
Endowed Chairs, Professorships
Endowments provide an excellent way for Nicholls to attract and retain highly qualified faculty. Faculty who are on the cutting edge of their respective disciplines help insure that students are receiving the finest instruction possible. For information about endowing a chair or professorship, contact the Office of Development at 985.448.4009.
Endowed Scholarships
Scholarships enable Nicholls to attract the best and brightest students. For TOPS-eligible students, it provides additional financial assistance beyond basic tuition and other TOPS stipends. Endowed scholarships provide an annual benefit for students since only the interest earned is used to fund the scholarship. For information about endowing a scholarship, contact the Office of Development at 985.448.4009.
