Memorial and Tribute Gifts
A Gift That Honors a Life
If you have a loved one who has been impacted by Alma College, establishing a memorial or tribute gift is a meaningful way to honor your loved one or celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday while supporting the work of our mission. Your memorial or tribute gift will be a lasting tribute to your loved one and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Memorial Gifts
Remembering Alma College in a Loved One’s Obituary
When writing an obituary, please include the following: “In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to support (optional designation) can be made to Alma College and sent to attn.: Advancement Office, 614 W. Superior St., Alma, MI 48801. Memorial gift envelopes are also available. Please call the Advancement Office at (989) 463-7081 and we can furnish a supply to you or the funeral home of your choice in advance of the memorial service.
All donors are provided with a letter acknowledging their gift which includes a receipt. The spouse or family of the deceased will be provided with the names and addresses of the donors who have chosen to provide a gift in their memory (gift amounts are not shared). Please alert the Alma College Advancement Office of the name and address of the family or friend of the deceased who should be notified of the memorial gifts.
Named Endowed Fund
The minimum level to name and endow a scholarship is $50,000, pledged over a period of up to five years. Endowed funds support student scholarships, buildings, or campus programs in perpetuity. Donors who establish endowed funds receive an annual report detailing the fund’s activity and impact.
Benches
For a $2,500 unrestricted gift, you can name an existing bench on campus. Each bench will be outfitted with a 10″ x 5″ solid brass plaque. Please contact the Advancement Office for available existing benches on campus. Other memorials will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Honor Gifts
Gifts can be made in honor of a significant person in your life or to acknowledge a special occasion. You may even want to pay tribute to a favorite professor by making a gift in their honor. We will notify the honored individual and provide them with your address so they have the opportunity to thank you for your thoughtful gesture.
Check Out This Potential Scenario
When Sarah’s father passed away, she knew she wanted to do something that would establish a lasting legacy for him. She remembered that during his lifetime he was always praising Alma for its tireless efforts to better his community. So Sarah decided to dedicate a bench in his honor. Not only will her father’s legacy live on at Alma thanks to the gift and a commemorative plaque, but Sarah also received a federal income tax charitable deduction (because she itemizes her taxes).