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Support Our Annual Fund

  • Learn About Campaign Thunderbird (Flash version)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Campaign Thunderbird – A Pledge for a Better World
1. What is the goal of Campaign Thunderbird?
2. How long is Campaign Thunderbird?
3. Which gifts count toward the campaign?
4. How will the funds raised be used?
5. How will my gift be used?
6. How are Campaign Thunderbird donors recognized?
7. Is my gift to Thunderbird tax-deductible?

Annual Fund – Your Support for Thunderbird Today
8. When does Annual Fund take place?
9. Why should I give to the Thunderbird Annual Fund?
10. How much should I give to the Thunderbird Annual Fund?
11. Are there benefits to contributing to Thunderbird?
12. Are there tax advantages to participating in the Thunderbird Annual Fund?
13. What are the different ways to give?
14. May I make a pledge to the Thunderbird Annual Fund?
15. How may I contribute my gift to the Thunderbird Annual Fund?
16. Will my employer match my gift to Thunderbird?
17. How can I learn more about giving to Thunderbird?

Planned Gifts – You can make a difference. Now and in the future.
18. What is a "planned gift"?
19. What kind of planned gift is right for me?
20. How will my gift be used?
21. Is my gift to Thunderbird tax-deductible?
22. What kind of recognition can I expect?
23. How may I find out more about making a planned gift to Thunderbird?


1. What is the goal of Campaign Thunderbird?

Answer. Campaign Thunderbird aims to raise $65 million for needs identified.

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2. How long is Campaign Thunderbird?

Answer. The Campaign was quietly launched in the Fall of 2007 and is slated to be complete by December of 2011.

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3. Which gifts count toward the campaign?

Answer. All gifts received by Thunderbird during Campaign Thunderbird count toward the goal.

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4. How will the funds raised be used?

Answer. Campaign Thunderbird's $65 million will be used to:

  • Create scholarships ($5 million for current scholarships and $20 million to increase the school's scholarship endowment)
  • Support faculty research and create named chairs ($5 million to be used during campaign period and $20 million to increase the school's faculty endowment)
  • Maintain and enhance our facilities and technology ($8 million to be used during the campaign period and $7 million to create a Facility and Technology endowment)
  • Invest in current programs ($5 million)
  • Support operations with unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund ($10 million)

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5. How will my gift be used?

Answer. You may determine the exact use of your gift from the five campaign priorities.

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6. How are Campaign Thunderbird donors recognized?

Answer. All donors are listed each year in the Annual Report on Giving. Those who contribute $1,000 or more receive additional recognition as members of the Global Leadership Society. Those whose contribution include a Planned Gift are also members of the Legacy Society. Campaign Thunderbird also has two special recognition groups – the Council of 100 (for those committing over $100,000 to the Campaign) and the $1 Million Hat Club for those committing over $1 million to the Campaign). Based upon the level of the gift, a naming opportunity may also be available.

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7. Is my gift to Thunderbird tax-deductible?

Answer. Yes, since Thunderbird is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

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8. When does Annual Fund take place?

Answer. The Thunderbird Annual Fund, and all giving to the School, is based on the July 1 through June 30 fiscal year. Online giving through the secure Web site is available worldwide 365 days a year. If you give in the spring of any given year, we may contact you to renew your gift in the fall of the same year because of the fiscal year schedule.

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9. Why should I give to the Thunderbird Annual Fund?

Answer. Students, faculty, curriculum, technology and infrastructure all represent the future of Thunderbird. All depend on support from Thunderbird Annual Fund donors. Like all global organizations, Thunderbird must have a diversified base of support from many funding sources. Your support is key. Individual and corporate contributions play a bigger role every year.

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10. How much should I give to the Thunderbird Annual Fund?

Answer. You're encouraged to make a gift consistent with your interest and ability. Any donation, regardless of size, is very important and greatly appreciated. Our ability to demonstrate consistent giving by our alumni and friends is crucial as the school seeks outside funding opportunities. While gifts at all levels are significant, please consider giving at the leadership level.

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11. Are there benefits to contributing to Thunderbird?

Answer. All donors are listed each year in the Annual Report on Giving. Thunderbird Annual Fund donors also receive a special thank-you gift each year. Those who contribute $1,000 or more receive additional recognition as members of the Global Leadership Society.

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12. Are there tax advantages to participating in the Thunderbird Annual Fund?

Answer. Thunderbird is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit institution. Gifts to Thunderbird are tax deductible as permitted by law. There may also be tax advantages to donating appreciated securities or making a planned gift arrangement. For more information about these options, e-mail mygift@thunderbird.edu.

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13. What are the different ways to give?

Answer. You may contribute cash, checks and money orders (made payable to Thunderbird Annual Fund), and credit card contributions via American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® and VISA®. In addition, you may give securities or implement international electronic funds transfers, and monthly and quarterly donations via the ACH debiting option. For more information about ways to give, e-mail mygift@thunderbird.edu.

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14. May I make a pledge to the Thunderbird Annual Fund?

Answer. Absolutely. You may pledge an amount and make convenient payments using the online gift form or ACH debiting. All pledges are due and payable by June 30, the end of Thunderbird's fiscal year. If you wish to make a major gift commitment, longer pledge periods are available. For details about making a pledge or setting up an automatic payment plan, e-mail mygift@thunderbird.edu.

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15. How may I contribute my gift to the Thunderbird Annual Fund?

Answer. Make your donation online right now. Or call (602) 978-7309 or (800) 457-6981 toll-free (United States only) to make a gift by phone. ACH debiting is also available — an option that allows you to make your gift directly from your checking or savings account (U.S. banking institutions only). You may also mail your gift. Send it to:

Thunderbird School of Global Management
Attn: Gift Processing, The Thunderbird Annual Fund
1 Global Place
Glendale, AZ 85306-6000

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16. Will my employer match my gift to Thunderbird?

Answer. Close to 1,000 companies do. A matching gift can double or even triple a Thunderbird Annual Fund contribution. You can find out if your company participates in this matching program simply by entering your company's name at www.matchinggifts.com/thunderbird/. You can also check with your company's Human Resources Department; they can provide details or the necessary forms. For details, call (602) 978-7387 or e-mail mygift@thunderbird.edu.

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17. How can I learn more about giving to Thunderbird?

Answer. Just call the Office of Institutional Advancement at (602) 978-7309 or e-mail mygift@thunderbird.edu.

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18. What is a "planned gift"?

Answer. Planned gifts are generally the easiest way to make the greatest impact on an institution. Different types of planned gifts achieve different objectives — such as minimizing your current tax burden, supporting an institution you care about while providing for your heirs, increasing current income, or minimizing estate taxes later. Planned gifts include bequests, trusts, pooled income funds and gifts of retirement plans, life insurance or real property.

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19. What kind of planned gift is right for me?

Answer. Thunderbird's Institutional Advancement Office can help you determine what types of planned gifts make the most sense and even prepare a proposal for your consideration. It is advised that you discuss all gift plan proposals with your financial advisor.

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20. How will my gift be used?

Answer. You may determine the exact use of your gift. Unrestricted gifts are the most appreciated because they allow the President and the Trustees to respond to unforeseen needs and act on new opportunities. Or, your gift may be designated for a scholarship fund, a particular department or program. Depending on the level of your gift, a naming opportunity may be available.

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21. Is my gift to Thunderbird tax-deductible?

Answer. Yes, since Thunderbird is a tax-exempt, non-profit corporation recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

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22. What kind of recognition can I expect?

Answer. Anyone making a planned giving commitment to Thunderbird is afforded membership in the Thunderbird Legacy Society. Benefits include recognition in the Annual Report on Giving. Legacy Society members are also members of the Global Leadership Society and receive invitations to Global Leadership Society events.

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23. How may I find out more about making a planned gift to Thunderbird?

Answer. Call (602) 978-7389 or (800) 457-6981 toll free (United States only), or e-mail mygift@thunderbird.edu for additional information.

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Thank you for your patronage!!