Advancement

The Milligan Fund, an annual $1.45 million effort to support the university, makes it possible for many of our brightest students to attend Milligan. Through its support of student scholarships, academic excellence in the classroom and library, championship athletic programs, and enlightening student life and spiritual formation programming, the Milligan Fund is an essential component to the total student experience.

Tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of a Milligan education, but thanks to our generous donors who cover the gap, a Milligan education is accessible and affordable. Gifts to the Milligan Fund benefit students directly, enabling them to experience the life-changing mission of the university. Milligan relies on the partnership and generosity of more than 2,000 donors who give to the Milligan Fund each year.

One of the most important issues facing education policy in our nation today is the affordability of a college degree. Nowhere is this more profound than in the area of church and vocational ministry, where faithful, service-minded leaders follow God’s call on career paths that pay less than others with similar educational requirements. The Emmanuel Fund addresses this issue by subsidizing the amount required to operate the seminary by nearly $10,000 per student annually. Without this vital support, many of our brightest students would be unable to attend Emmanuel. Your support makes it possible to continue our mission of preparing men and women for effective ministry.

Sponsored Scholarships

Sponsored scholarships may be named by a donor who wishes to provide annual assistance for deserving Milligan students but is not interested in establishing an endowed fund. The minimum gift amount for a named sponsored scholarship is $2,500 annually with a commitment of four years. In the case of sponsored scholarships, the gift amount for the fiscal year is awarded in full for the following fiscal year. For example, a donor gives $5,000 to a sponsored scholarship in the current school year. The entire $5,000 is awarded to a student for the next school year.

It is preferred that the donor make a commitment over at least four years in order to assure the funding of the scholarship throughout a student’s education at Milligan. However, if the donor decides not to contribute in a given year, no award is made for the following year. After three years of having no gifts contributed for the scholarship, the scholarship becomes inactive.

Giving for sponsored scholarships may be designated for scholarships in specific majors, merit scholarships, need based scholarships, athletic scholarships, work study, or grants.

Endowed Scholarships

Endowed scholarships may be named by a donor who wishes to provide educational assistance in perpetuity for deserving Milligan students. The minimum gift amount for a named endowed scholarship is $25,000. Endowed scholarship gifts may be made in one gift or paid over a period of 3-5 years. The scholarship is typically not awarded until the fund reaches at least the $25,000 level.

In the case of endowed scholarships, the principal is invested along with other endowed funds and only a portion of the earned income is awarded each year. The remaining earned income is reinvested so that the fund continues to grow. In advising donors regarding the amount of award they might expect their gift to produce, we typically use 5%. So, if a donor gives $25,000 for an endowed scholarship, the award will likely be $1,250.

TYPES OF GIFTS ACCEPTED FOR FUNDING SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships may be funded with immediate gifts of cash or stock or through planned gifts such as annuities, bequests, trusts, insurance, real estate, etc.

ESTABLISHING CRITERIA

The donor may have special interests for awarding the scholarship that need to be clearly determined and stated in the scholarship agreement. In establishing a scholarship, an attempt should be made to keep criteria as simple as possible.

INVESTMENT POLICIES

Endowed scholarship funds follow the standard investment policies of the university as stated in the scholarship agreement form.

MORE INFORMATION

Rhajon Smith, Vice President
800.447.5922 | Email

The Buffalo Club is a group of loyal Milligan alumni and friends whose regular, monthly contributions work together to advance the mission of Milligan University. While the size of the monthly gift may vary, all members of The Buffalo Club share a strong devotion to Milligan University and are helping prepare students to be servant-leaders in professions around the world.

Join The Buffalo Club with your Automatic Monthly Contribution

Participation in The Buffalo Club saves you valuable time and postage, while still permitting total control over your contribution. You also have the convenience of canceling or making modifications at any time you desire by contacting Milligan by phone at 800.447.5922 or email at advancement@milligan.edu. Deductions are made on the 5th (Milligan Fund) or the 15th (Emmanuel Fund) of each month, unless otherwise noted by you, and may be made for any amount you choose.

Thank you for being an essential part of Milligan University’s vision of changing lives and shaping culture through a commitment to Christian leadership. We truly appreciate your dedication and your faithfulness to the advancement of our students and the University.

If you have any questions about The Buffalo Club, please call us at 800.447.5922 or email advancement@milligan.edu.

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment in this monthly program is easy. Simply click the button below and be sure to click the “recurring gift” option on the form it opens.