Director of Development Lisa Heil is available to assist with information on donating and engaging with SSF.
Contact Lisa at lheil@southernscholarship.org.
Ways to Give
Support the next generation of the #SSFfamily with sustained commitment to Southern Scholarship Foundation.
Annual gifts offer an opportunity for the #SSFfamily to give back and support Southern Scholarship Foundation’s mission to provide rent-free housing and cooperative living to 470 college students each year. Through annual gifts, you may choose to designate your support towards specific houses, student scholarships, maintenance initiatives, a determined area of need, and more.
Southern Scholarship Foundation and Alumni set a goal to raise $100,000 for 10 years in anticipation of the 75th anniversary, raising $1,000,000 by 2030. In 2021 and 2022, SSF alumni and friends exceeded the $100,000 goal. In 2023, with close to 10,000 SSF alumni over 67 years, SSF can reach this goal again!
Where does your dollar go?
Your gift will support initiatives such as:
- Leadership training for SSF House Managers and Ambassadors
- House repairs, maintenance, and painting
- Replacing flooring, furniture, and roofs
- Mental health counseling services for residents
- Community building activities and socials
The basic plan underlying an endowed fund is simple—the principal of the fund is never spent.
The principal is invested, and the earnings are used to fulfill the purpose(s) for which the fund was created. Funds may be created for student support, maintenance and repairs or customized for a specific need or SSF house.
Endowments can be established in the donor’s name, the name of their business, or in honor of someone important to the donor. The minimum amount required to create an endowment is $25,000 with up to five years to reach the Endowment minimum.
Donors 70.5 and older are eligible to make a tax-free gift to Southern Scholarship Foundation directly from their IRA called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). These gifts are tax-free, regardless of whether or not you itemize deductions on your tax return and may lower your taxable income. If you take a Required Minimum Distribution, QCDs are one way to reduce the tax liability.
Gifts of appreciated stock and securities are a cost-effective and tax-friendly way to donate and support residents at Southern Scholarship Foundation. You may be eligible for a tax deduction based on their full fair-market-value and avoid paying the capital gains tax.
Meet your philanthropic goals through your commitment to the mission of Southern Scholarship Foundation.
Estate Gifts
Designate SSF with a legacy gift in your estate plans. Name SSF in your will, trust, retirement plan, life insurance, endowment, charitable remainder annuity, or other planning mechanism. By making an estate gift to SSF, a gift in your will or living trust, ensures funding for future residents at SSF.
Employer Matching Gifts
Double or triple your gift to Southern Scholarship Foundation! If you or your spouse works for a company that offers a matching gift program, you can ask your company to match that donation.
Matching gift FAQs
What is a matching gift?
Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs. Employer matching gift programs are a great way for employees to double or even triple their charitable contributions!
How do I request a matching gift?
After you have donated to SSF, contact your Human Resources representative at your employer and they will provide you with a matching gift form or link to submit your request online.
I am the donor, but my spouse's employer offers a matching gift program. May I submit the matching gift request through their employer even though I made the donation?
Yes! You may be able to apply for an additional match to your gift through the matching gift program of your spouse’s employer.