Frequently Asked Questions

Private philanthropy is a critical component of Western Carolina University’s funding model and financial health. More than ever, philanthropy is essential to Western Carolina University’s continued growth and prosperity. While the state of North Carolina has traditionally supported public higher education, state appropriations make up a smaller percentage of Western Carolina University’s operating budget than ever before.

Quite simply, Western Carolina University will reach its goal only with the steadfast support of alumni, parents, and friends giving at every level. Reaching a goal of 75 million will take several years, and during that time, every gift will count toward our goal.

Your gift goes to the college, school, unit, program, or other cause that you specify. You can choose to give to a general purpose — like the athletics facilities renovations — or to an academic area that is close to your heart through college-specific excellence endowments. Every gift makes a difference.

Donors contribute to a variety of programs and projects that support the university’s public mission in virtually every department and unit. These private gifts support student resources including undergraduate and faculty research, student study-abroad and study-away opportunities, college and departmental annual funds, and capital projects such as state-of-the-art facilities and outdoor classroom spaces. Other gifts raised during a campaign go toward the university’s endowment to ensure long-term, stable support.

In this comprehensive campaign, all gifts received beginning July 1, 2019, through the determined campaign dates will be counted toward the campaign goal including but not limited to contributions to the Catamount Club, Annual Fund, capital funds, endowment funds, current-use funds, and planned gifts.

Many donor contributions are used for scholarships to offset tuition costs, with thousands of Western Carolina University students benefiting from philanthropic generosity each year. The University of North Carolina System sets tuition rates for all public universities in the state of North Carolina.

On campus, undergraduates work alongside faculty, conducting real-world scientific research to jump-start their professional careers. Gifts to the college-specific Excellence Endowments go to support programmatic funds, faculty research, and study abroad/study-away opportunities. Our faculty and staff help facilitate and plan programs and service opportunities that create a dynamic and connected campus, a flourishing and revitalized region, and well-rounded and intentional students.

Yes. All colleges, schools, and units, including athletics, will be part of the campaign and have established their goals and funding priorities

Providing Western Carolina University with information about your bequest will help ensure your wishes are met. With respect to designating specific purposes or programs, we can review the document to make sure that it can carry out your intentions and, in case of an endowed fund, that the necessary endowment language is included.