Ozarks Technical
Community College

Why is OTC Conducting the "Imagine. Invest. Inspire." Campaign?

Traditional revenue sources will not support Ozarks Technical Community College’s need to improve and flourish as a first-rate community college. In addition, OTC is attempting to meet the growing needs of a diverse population of students in the face of decreasing financial support from the State of Missouri. To meet this escalating need for quality and affordable higher education within our community, OTC must boldly expand and enhance its educational services and programs. To accomplish this, OTC will partner with its friends in the community as we endeavor to broaden and diversify our financial base of support from the private sector.

Who is Conducting the "Imagine. Invest. Inspire." Campaign?

The OTC Board of Trustees and the OTC Foundation Board of Directors have jointly decided to conduct this campaign. The OTC Foundation office staff is assigned to manage the campaign, with external counsel from the Clements Group. The Clements Group specializes in community college fundraising and has successfully helped more than 650 community colleges across the United States achieve their goals.

What are the Goals and Initiatives of the "Imagine. Invest. Inspire." Campaign?

Campaign goals include: 
1) Providing continued accessibility
2) Strengthening academic programs
3) Funding capital improvements.

Campaign initiatives include:
1) Center for Workforce Development ($3M);
2) Center for Health Education ($2M);
3) Student Support Programs ($2M);
4) Student Scholarships ($2.5M).

As a Tax-Supported College, Why Does OTC Need to Raise Private Dollars?

Most importantly, OTC is tax assisted, NOT tax supported. Our operating budget for 2007-2008 was $49,692,700. Our state appropriations covered only 20.1 percent of this. Tuition revenue represented another 45.6 percent, with grants, contracts and local revenue representing the remaining 34.3 percent. Clearly, state assistance does not cover our annual operating costs, let alone provide support for the initiatives outlined in the “Imagine. Invest. Inspire.” campaign.

What Does the OTC Foundation Do?

Established by a group of committed civic and business leaders, the OTC Foundation was incorporated in 1995 as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, the OTC Foundation encourages and secures private support from local, state and federal sources; and it accepts and administers philanthropic support for the College. The Board of Directors for the OTC Foundation is assuming the lead in orchestrating the “Imagine. Invest. Inspire.” capital and endowment campaign, which is intended to address community needs and to enrich opportunities for student learning and leadership development.

Why Not Just Raise Tuition and Fees?

Tuition has already increased 3.7 percent in the past three years. This is regrettable because most community college students struggle to pay for college. Many work while raising families at the same time. Nearly half of our students qualify for federal financial aid, taking out grants and loans so they can better themselves by attending college. Increasing tuition costs for these students is contrary to our “open door” mission of providing access to all. Even a slight increase in tuition can present a significant deterrent or barrier, prohibiting many OTC students from pursuing their dreams.

How Much Money is the Campaign Trying to Raise?

For planning purposes, the plan of the Campaign has established a preliminary goal of $10-$13 million, based on analysis of a feasibility study conducted by our consultants, executive awareness sessions conducted by OTC President Dr. Hal Higdon, and ongoing meetings both on and off campus with OTC Board members, initiative beneficiaries, and other leaders on campus and in the southwest Missouri community.

What is the Timeline for Raising the Money Needed?

Ongoing fundraising efforts have already generated more than $1.5 million toward OTC campaign initiatives. It is anticipated the remainder will be raised over the next 24 months. During the months of August 2008 through January 2009, OTC will conduct its “family” (or internal) campaign with Trustees and Foundation Board members (past and present), as well as current OTC employees.  

This will generate significant momentum. The external campaign will follow and include OTC retirees and other key individuals, businesses, corporations and Foundation prospects. The major gifts portion of the “Imagine. Invest. Inspire.” campaign is slated to conclude in November 2009. A broad-based annual fund effort will follow and conclude in January 2010.

Will Any of My Donation go Toward Campaign Costs?

No!  One hundred percent of your contribution will go to the area you designate. All administrative costs for the campaign have been funded through existing unrestricted Foundation funds. The Foundation Board looks at the campaign costs as an investment that will result in significant long-term returns.

Will the Campaign Accept Multi-Year Pledges?

Yes!  Multi-year pledges (five years preferred) enable investors to make more significant investments than might be possible with one-time cash gifts and to realize optimal tax savings. The pledge option also provides investors more time to create endowed funds that will leave a permanent legacy.

Does the Campaign Only Want Cash Donations?

No!  We encourage individuals to give serious consideration to non-cash gifts such as: annuities, stocks, bonds, land, real estate, trusts, retirement funds no longer needed, and in-kind gifts such as equipment.  Other options include: planned gifts through a will, life insurance policy, or the creation of a trust. We urge investors to discuss these gifts with their tax, financial and legal advisors, and with our campaign staff to determine the kind of gift that will best suit their personal circumstances and be of maximum benefit to OTC.  (For more ideas, see Ways to Give.)

Does the Campaign Only Want Large Donations?

Any amount is welcome. Giving is a very personal matter, and no one should over extend themselves through donations. One of our standard practices is to combine small gifts to award scholarships to deserving students.

Can I Designate My Gift for a Particular Purpose?

Absolutely!  Gifts can be given without restriction or designated to a particular area of interest. Indicate on your pledge card if you want to direct your gift to one of the major initiatives or to a specific area at the college.

Are there Opportunities for Named or Memorial Gifts?

Many opportunities are available for investors to make named gifts or gifts in memory (or in honor) of a loved one. Investors interested in these kinds of gifts should contact the campaign office at (417) 447-2651.

How Can I Make a Gift to the Campaign?

Please complete and return your pledge card to the volunteer who visited with you or return it to OTC’s campaign office.

How Will Investors Be Recognized?

Investors at various giving levels will be appropriately recognized. Specific gift amounts will not be included; however, names will be listed by giving ranges. Named endowment funds provide a perpetual recognition opportunity.

Will the Campaign Accept Anonymous Gifts?

Yes, we will honor your wishes. We do encourage you to accept the appropriate recognition because it often helps other investors to know a wide variety of individuals and organizations are committed to helping OTC.

Is a Contribution to the Campaign Tax-Deductible?

Yes.  The OTC Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Gifts to the campaign are considered tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. All donors will receive a receipt that should be shared with tax preparers. Missouri Tax Credits are also available if you donate to the Middle College.  (For more information, see Middle College & Missouri Tax Credits.)

How Will Donors Be Kept Informed of Campaign Progress and Future Uses of Money?

A newsletter will be distributed to all investors plus news releases and articles will be submitted to local and regional media.  Campaign information will also be included on the OTC website at www.otc.edu.

NOTE: Again, the information provided here is not offered as legal or tax advice. For this advice, please contact your attorney and/or tax professional.