Matching Gift Program
The Tennessee Fund has a longstanding history of success with matching gift programs and the support provided has made a tremendous difference in the lives of Tennessee student-athletes and Tennessee students through scholarships. With the change in the tax law at the start of 2018, matching gift support has changed significantly based on the tax treatment of gifts like those made to the Tennessee Fund. Please read the information below to determine if you may still take advantage of your employer’s matching gift program and increase your support for the Tennessee Fund and our student athletes.
For gifts made to the Tennessee Fund, under tax legislation, contributions that also confer seating rights to the University of Tennessee home athletic events may no longer be tax deductible as a charitable contribution. It is the responsibility of the University of Tennessee Foundation to confirm or deny gifts that are eligible for an employer match based on that company’s rules and regulations. This also applies to gifts that are made to the University of Tennessee Foundation on behalf of the Tennessee Fund.
In general, gifts that do not provide any annual Tennessee Fund level or priority points may still be eligible for a matching gift based on the employer’s eligibility criteria. It is the donor’s responsibility to notify the Tennessee Fund and/or the UT Foundation, in writing, that they are filing for a match at the time the gift is made. Please see the updated matching gift guidelines below based on the recent changes in tax legislation.
TN Fund Matching Gift Guidelines
Depending on your employer, you may be able to double, triple or even quadruple the amount of your gift. Many companies offer a matching gift program that will significantly amplify what you have given. Be sure to check with your company’s human resources department, as each organization has its own policies and matching gift forms. You may also be eligible if you are retired. Tennessee Fund members are urged to submit their annual gift along with any matching gift forms by March 1st.
Please be advised that most companies will no longer match contributions to athletics that provide season ticket benefits or the opportunity to purchase season tickets.
Matching gifts programs vary widely regarding their eligibility for academic scholarships, athletics fundraising, capital projects and payments on existing pledges. If you have any questions about how your matching gift can be used please contact the Tennessee Fund office via email at [email protected]. Please consult your tax advisor for the proper treatment of your donations to the TN Fund considering this new tax legislation and how it may affect your individual tax situation.