TCNAA Informational FAQ
TCNAA Overview
What is the purpose and role of TCNAA?
The purpose of TCNAA is to promote the mission, interests, purposes, and ideals of Tougaloo College, including recruitment and fundraising initiatives.
Who is the official spokesperson for TCNAA?
The President of TCNAA is the official spokesperson of the Association.
Does TCNAA operate independently from the College?
Yes, TCNAA is a separate 501 3(c) entity and operates independently from the College.
Does TCNAA provide input regarding the College’s day-to-day operations/decisions/oversight?
No, TCNAA does not provide any input to the day-to-day operations of the College.
What is the primary corporate/organizational structure of the TCNAA?
TCNAA Board of Directors (which includes the Association’s officers, Alumni Representatives to the College’s Board of Trustees, Alumni Regional Representatives, and Chapter Presidents) and active alumni (those who have paid national dues).
How does the Association communicate and promote its mission statements?
The Association communicates and promotes its mission statement through the TCNAA website, activities, social media platforms, and other initiatives.
What is the role of the TCNAA Alumni Representatives to the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees?
The Alumni Representatives to the Tougaloo College Board of Trustees advocate for alumni interests while embracing their responsibilities and fiduciary duties as a College Trustee.
How does TCNAA support the College’s fundraising efforts?
The Association jointly supports the College’s various fundraising efforts through gifts, scholarships, volunteerism including social media communication and promotions.
What activities/events does TCNAA support that benefits the College?
TCNAA supports activities such as Pre-Alumni Council programs, UNCF National Alumni Council, Concert Choir tours, Commencement Activities, Annual Alumni Gathering and Banquet, and Alumni Hall of Fame Induction.
Does TCNAA have authority over alumni chapters management and/or activities?
Alumni Chapters fall under the direction of TCNAA pursuant to the Association’s Chapter Guide. However, the Association does not manage or direct alumni chapter activities and events.
What is the purpose and role of the Division of Institutional Advancement also known as the Office of Institutional Advancement?
The Division of Institutional Advancement facilitates the understanding, participation, and support of Tougaloo College’s students, faculty, alumni, trustees, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, legislators, and others who have an interest in promoting and supporting the College.
What is the purpose and role of the Office of Alumni Relations?
The Office of Alumni Relations serves as the intermediary between the College and the alumni through the Division of Institutional Advancement and work closely with TCNAA to maintain the integrity of the Tougaloo College legacy.
Membership
How can I become a member of TCNAA?
To become a member, please visit the TCNAA.org website and click the membership tab.
Can I join TCNAA, if I am not a member of an alumni chapter?
Yes, you can join TCNAA if you are not a member of an alumni chapter. However, chapter participation is encouraged.
Are membership dues required to be a voting member of TCNAA?
Yes, TCNAA dues must be paid to become a voting member.
What are the TCNAA membership categories and dues?
- Annual-$25/year
- Subscribing Life-$100/year for 5 years
- Life-$500, one-time payment
How can I submit my dues payment to become a member?
You can submit membership dues online by visiting the TCNAA.org website and click the Membership tab.
What is the TCNAA membership fiscal year?
The TCNAA membership fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30.
Can former students become a member of TCNAA?
Yes, former students may become members of TCNAA.
As a TCNAA member, who should I contact to address my concerns regarding college and/or alumni issues?
You may contact your Chapter President (if applicable), the TCNAA President, Director of Alumni Relations, or Director of Advancement Services regarding alumni concerns.
How can I support TCNAA’s mission to support the College?
You can support TCNAA’s mission in the following manner.
- Donate to the annual giving fund with a one-time or recurring donation, which increases the College’s alumni giving percentage and enhances its national rankings
- Become a member of TCNAA.
- Join and participate in local chapter activities whose goals are to fundraise for the chapter’s annual gift to Tougaloo and support as well as facilitate recruitment activities.
Giving
How can I donate to the Annual Alumni Giving Fund?
You may donate to the Annual Alumni Giving Fund via the College’s website portal, TCNAA initiated campaigns, checks, payroll deductions, matching-gift programs, etc. Contact the Office of Advancement Services for further details.
What is restricted giving?
Restricted giving is a gift received and used for a specific purpose. Restricted gifts provide reassurance to donors that their contributions will be used in the manner they have chosen.
What is non-restricted giving?
Non-restricted giving is a gift used for general purposes.
How do the restricted and unrestricted funds impact the college overall?
Donations to the College increase the annual giving fund, increase scholarship opportunities and operations management. Secondly, alumni gifts increase the percentage of alumni giving ratings, which is instrumental in donor solicitation and national rankings.
Why are restricted and non-restricted funds important?
on-restricted funds are allocated for the College’s general purposes. Donors leave it up to the institution to decide how best to allocate the funds to where the need is greatest. Restricted funds assist with annual scholarships and endowments. In addition, designated accounts are restricted and used for a specific purpose.
How do I know the difference between restricted and non-restricted funds?
Non-restricted funds are used for general purposes of the College. Restricted funds are used for specific purposes.
What are In-kind contributions?
In-kind contributions are goods, services, or time, instead of cash.
What are examples of In-kind giving?
Examples of in-kind giving are tangible goods including, but not limited to equipment, books, cars, clothing, furniture, and supplies.
Is In-kind giving tax-deductible?
Yes, in-kind giving is tax-deductible when the gifts are donated directly to the College with the intent of the donor to receive a tax deduction. It is the responsibility of the donor, not the College, to obtain an appraisal of the gift for tax purposes.
Who do I contact if I am interested in In-kind giving?
You may contact The Office of Advancement Services if interested in in-kind giving.
How often can I participate in In-kind giving?
You can participate in in-kind giving as often as you would like.
How can I receive credit for In-kind giving?
When the College receives in-kind gifts, the Division of Institutional Advancement will provide the donor with an acknowledgment letter.
Tax Deductions
How do tax deductions work?
Tax deductions are typically applicable expenses that taxpayers incur during the year that can be subtracted from their gross income to determine how much in taxes are owed.
Is a donation to a college tax deductible?
Yes, donations to universities are tax-deductible. This includes nonprofit private and state colleges, whether you donate cash or property.
Are donations to clubs and organizations associated with Tougaloo tax-deductible?
Yes, donations to clubs and organizations associated with Tougaloo are tax-deductible, if received by the Division of Institutional Advancement.
Are donations to college fundraisers tax-deductible?
Yes, donations to the College fundraisers are tax-deductible, if received by the Division of Institutional Advancement.
What college items are tax-deductible?
Money and in-kind gifts are tax-deductible.
Are in-kind donations tax-deductible?
Yes, in-kind donations are tax-deductible. Donors making in-kind contributions can take a tax deduction for the fair market value of the donation. However, donors cannot deduct time or services contributed to a 501(c)(3) organization. The donor can only deduct the cost of any out-of-pocket expenses for which the donor has receipts.
Will I receive a tax deduction acknowledgment for a donation made on my behalf via a third party?
If a donation is received via a third party, you will not receive a tax deduction statement for that donation. The third-party company will provide the tax-deductible statement. Tougaloo College will send you an acknowledgement letter informing you that we received a donation on your behalf.
Will I receive a tax deduction acknowledgement for my donation to the College through PayPal, Go Fund Me, and other portals?
You will not receive a tax statement for donations through PayPal, Go Fund Me, and Network for Good. These gifts are reported as anonymous when received by the College.
What are examples of third-party donation portals?
Examples of third-party donations are Facebook, Network for Good, Your Causes, PayPal, and any investment company.
Is there a minimum or maximum donation amount required to receive a tax deduction?
No, there is no minimum or maximum donation required to receive a tax deduction. No donation is too small.
How do I apply for a tax deduction?
Please visit with your tax consultant.
Is there a time limit to apply for a tax deduction?
Please visit with your tax consultant.