FAQs - Why Your Support is Critical

How are the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) and the CUNY School of Professional Studies Foundation, Inc. (CUNY SPS Foundation) related?

Incorporated in 2011, the CUNY SPS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, eligible to receive tax deductible contributions under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code, that operates exclusively for the charitable purpose of supporting the CUNY School of Professional Studies of The City University of New York.

Who supports the Foundation?

Alumni, students, friends, faculty, staff, foundations, partnerships, and corporations.

Why should I donate money to the Foundation?

Inspired by CUNY SPS students, the mission of the CUNY SPS Foundation is to enhance public understanding and recognition of CUNY SPS, promote the School’s mission, and champion the dedicated and hard-working students we serve. The Board continuously explores new fundraising opportunities for CUNY SPS that will further the commitment to our students by promoting the educational and charitable purposes of the School.

What is the Foundation's fiscal year?

A fiscal year is a 12-month period used primarily for accounting purposes. The Foundation's fiscal year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30.

I gave money to the Foundation this year, but it was not listed in the Annual Report. Why?

The Foundation's Annual Report is based upon financial data received during our fiscal year, which ends on June 30. Therefore, if your gift was made in July, it would be included in the following year’s Annual Report.

Are my contributions to the Foundation tax-deductible?

Your gifts to the Foundation are 100 percent tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by the law.

What types of gifts can I make to the Foundation?

The Foundation accepts various types of contributions:

• gifts by credit card, check, and wire transfer
• a recurring monthly or quarterly charge to your credit card (Dean’s Circle)
• a gift of appreciated securities
• a gift of real estate
• a gift through a bequest
• a charitable gift annuity payment
• a pledge over a period of up to five years
• a gift-in-kind (e.g., equipment, books, advertising services)

How can I be sure that my gifts are being used appropriately?

According to IRS regulations, all charitable organizations must file a Form 990 and allow public access to the document. The most recent copy of the Foundation's Form 990 can be viewed on the financial statements page. The Form 990 provides an overview of the Foundation’s finances.

After each fiscal year closes, the Foundation submits its financial statements to an independent auditor for review. The auditor then publishes a statement regarding the status of the Foundation's records and financial standing.

The Foundation publishes its Annual Report each fall. The Annual Report lists our donors, activities, and audited financial information.

You can always find out more information about your gift by contacting the Foundation.

How can I be sure that my personal information will be safe with the Foundation?

All information transmitted from the Foundation's website is encrypted under a secure socket layer (SSL) and is unreadable until it arrives at the Foundation and is decrypted. The Foundation is committed to your privacy. We encourage you to read our Privacy Statement.

How do I designate my gift to a particular fund?

If you are donating via our online giving page, simply scroll to the designation fund bar. If you are mailing a check or providing credit card information, enclose a note stating your intentions.

What are matching gifts?

Many employers will match donations given by their employees to qualified charitable organizations. To determine if your employer will match your donation to the Foundation, you may contact your human resources department. Once you've determined that your employer will match your gift, you must complete the matching gift form provided by your employer and send it to the Foundation. The Foundation will verify your gift, complete the form, and return it to your employer. Once we receive the matching gift from your employer, we will acknowledge both you and your employer for the gift.

Corrections to your information and contact information

You may notify CUNY SPS of changes in your personal information (e.g., mailing address, e-mail address, etc.) by contacting us at:

CUNY School of Professional Studies Foundation
119 W. 31^st Street, 10^th Fl.
New York, NY 10001
P: 646-664-8662
E: development@sps.cuny.edu