Frequently Asked Questions

Isn’t Southern supported by the state? If so, why does it need private funding?

Yes, Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is a state-assisted college. We are the fourth largest of ten community and technical colleges in West Virginia. The State of West Virginia remains our primary funding source, however, the hallmark of truly great educational institutions is a diversified funding base. Private funds allow us to supplement our state funding and provide for superior equipment, facilities, programs, and scholarships to train a world-class workforce.

What are the benefits of giving to the Foundation?

In addition to investing in the education and training of students and the development of a competitive and skilled workforce for the communities of Southern West Virginia, you may also realize significant tax and income benefits by making a gift to the Foundation. You may receive income savings through a charitable deduction, based on your tax rate. You may avoid capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated stock or property. You may create life income for yourself and/or others through life income and planned gifts. You can eliminate federal estate tax on the value of a gift passing to the Southern West Virginia Community College Foundation under a will or revocable trust. In addition, your gift will be recognized in our annual report unless you specify otherwise.

Please note that these benefits may not be applicable to all gifts. Please consult your attorney or financial advisor for more detailed benefits of a gift.

What is the relationship between Southern and the Southern West Virginia Community College Foundation?

Established in 1971, the Southern West Virginia Community College Foundation, Inc., exists for the exclusive purpose of benefiting Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. The Foundation is committed to the pursuit of excellence in education through the enhancement of academic, cultural, and social experiences for the students, faculty, staff, and communities served by the College. The Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization which develops, maintains, and manages an endowment to support projects and activities deemed to be compatible, complementary, and consistent with the mission of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. All gifts to the Foundation directly benefit the College and are tax deductible.

How can I make a contribution or set up a scholarship?

We are grateful for your contribution by personal check, money order, cashier’s check, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA, as well as gifts of stock and other real property. Checks should be payable to Southern West Virginia Community Community College Foundation, Inc. and sent to:

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Vision 2020 Major Gifts Campaign
Post Office Box 2020
Mount Gay, West Virginia 25637

To establish a new scholarship, please contact Rita Roberson, Executive Director for Institutional Advancement and Marketing, at 304-896-7425. A named scholarship may be established with a gift of $50,000. An endowed scholarship can be established with a gift of $100,000 that may be made over a period of up to five years. The Vision 2020 Major Gifts Campaign Student Financial Assistance Fund receives gifts of any amount.

What is an endowment?

Endowment funds allow us to provide for the future and current needs of the College. The principal of the gift is carefully invested and preserved in perpetuity. Only the interest generated is used to provide financial support to the area designated by the donor. An endowment can be established with a gift of $100,000 that may be made over a period of up to five years.

How do I update information about myself?

Keeping our donor records current is very important to us. If you would like to make us aware of a change in your personal information, please contact:

Emma L. Baisden
Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Governors
P. O. Box 2900
Mount Gay, West Virginia 25637

Phone: 304-896-7402
Fax: 304-792-7046