UMR graduates smiling after commencement

Give to UMR

Tomorrow’s health care workers are in University of Minnesota Rochester classrooms today. Your gifts to UMR are structured to promote student success through scholarships and awards for four-year graduation. We are truly grateful for the support we receive from the Rochester community and beyond.

UMR pom-pom

Donate to University of Minnesota Rochester

Support UMR by giving today!
 

Ways to give to UMR

There are several ways in which you can make a gift to the University of Minnesota Rochester.

Online
Visit the central University of Minnesota Online Giving website. Please note that this website is hosted by the University of Minnesota Foundation; however, your donation will be routed directly to the University of Minnesota Rochester.

Telephone
Call 507-258-8417 and speak to our Director of Development and Alumni Relations. 

Mail
Download and print a contribution form (PDF file) and mail it to the address on the form.

Automatic Payment/Electronic Funds Transfer
Set up automatic, monthly payments in the amount you choose by indicating that when making your gift to the fund you wish to support.  
Gifts can be paid with your credit card, debit card or checking account.

More Information
To find out more about how to give with stocks, other securities, assets, memorial gifts, in-kind, or planned giving options, please contact the Associate Vice President, Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives, Travis Smith.

Your gifts to the Chancellor's Fund for Innovation demonstrate support of the Chancellor’s vision for UMR. Southeastern Minnesota is growing rapidly and the need for educational, cultural and research opportunities must keep pace with the advances in population and business expectations. The locally controlled Chancellor's Fund for Innovation provides the flexibility to rapidly respond to community needs and take advantage of unexpected opportunities. This fund helps the university by:

  • Supporting the Chancellor’s vision for the University of Minnesota Rochester in an unrestricted way.

  • Providing seed money for innovative programs and new research.

  • Capturing timely opportunities for recruiting and retaining faculty recognized for their achievements.

  • Inspiring change and growth in areas of research and learning not funded by the state.

  • Enhancing the current learning environment, facilities and equipment to enhance UMR's innovative model.

  • Hosting convenings of educational innovators to support transformation in higher education.

Make your gift count by designating it for the area of greatest interest to you. Or consider leaving your gift unrestricted to be used where the need is greatest. With either choice, you can be sure that 100% of your gift will provide important support for UMR.

Campaign benefactors are recognized both by UMR and by the University of Minnesota Foundation. The foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that builds greatness at the University by raising and managing gifts from alumni and friends.

Foundation Donor Recognition Designations

Presidents Club
The University-wide Presidents Club recognizes the University's most generous benefactors — individuals, families and organizations — who want to see the University continue to be one of the nation's great universities. Presidents Club donors join a long tradition of giving that started in 1889 with a single gift of $150,000 from John Sargent Pillsbury — businessman, University regent, state senator and governor.

Through the decades, the generosity of Presidents Club members has built scores of needed buildings, provided thousands of students with scholarships, endowed more than 275 faculty chairs and professorships, and launched hundreds of research projects that have improved our lives.

Recognition
As a Presidents Club member, you'll be welcomed to the club at an event hosted by the University president and the University community. As you continue to give, you can also look forward to:

  • Events, special performances, and exclusive lectures reserved for members of the Presidents Club

  • Informative publications showing your generosity at work

  • Receiving a commemorative Presidents Club certificate and lapel pin

  • Your name in the Presidents Club Honor Roll

Your membership level is based on your lifetime giving to the University of Minnesota:

John Sargent Pillsbury Society

Gifts or pledges of

$10 million or more

Builders Society

Gifts or pledges of

$1 million to $9,999,999

Regents Society

Gifts or pledges of

$250,000 to $999,999

Trustees Society

Gifts or pledges of

$100,000 to $249,999

Chancellors Society

Gifts or pledges of

$25,000 to $99,999

Heritage Society

All future gifts in any amount

Maroon and Gold Club
The Maroon and Gold Club recognizes annual gifts to the University of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota Rochester, and other units and colleges within the University of Minnesota system.

Gold

Gifts of $2,500 to $24,999

Maroon

Gifts of $1,000 to $2,499

 

Faculty and staff are primary supporters of development at UMR. Their presence and unique talents are visible at all fundraisers and recognition events both at UMR and throughout our community. The extent to which UMR faculty and staff contribute speaks a loud and clear message to our donors. Please consider becoming a donor/supporter through a payroll deduction or a one-time donation when making your gift. All gifts are used in Rochester to support such UMR growth areas as research, program development and expansion and special student needs.

Also, consider becoming a Presidents Club Heritage Society member by including UMR in your future planning.

UMR Presidents Club members:

  • Maria Brown

  • Drs. David (retired UMR) and Rachel Carl

  • Jim (retired UMR) and Sue Clausen

  • Patrick Dean and Joan Hunziker-Dean

  • Joe (retired UMR) and Peggy Marchesani

  • Gail Sauter

  • Dr. Mike (retired UMR) and Chris Smith

  • Dick (retired UMR) and Jan Westerlund

This fund will provide aid to support students through unforeseen emergency situations as determined by the Office of the President and U of M leadership. This supports financially insecure students on all campuses. To make a donation to the Student Emergency Fund, go here

Why should I give to the University of Minnesota Rochester?
Gifts can serve students and the community by meeting educational needs of individuals or industries. Gifts also help prepare for the future through research and education.

Can my gift make a difference?
Although it might seem like a gift of $5 or $100 wouldn't have that much impact, every gift adds to the total pool of financial resources available to UMR. If ten donors give $100 each, a $1,000 award can be given to a deserving student.

Why does UMR need private funds when it receives public dollars from the State?
Despite UMR's designation as state-supported, it continues to receive less and less of its operating financial resources from the State of Minnesota. At this point, Minnesota's contribution is less than 25% of the University's total budget. It is expected that state contributions will continue to decline.

Can I designate the use of my gift?
Absolutely. It's your money. You may also name a scholarship or project for yourself or a loved one with the establishment of an endowed fund. Unrestricted funds can make the difference in allowing the University to decide where the funds can make the biggest impact.

Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes, as permissible by law. Consult your accountant.