Frequently Asked Questions
When should I send my year-end gift to count for the current tax year?
Check: If you are making a gift to the college by check, and for tax purposes want your contribution to count for the current calendar year, your envelope must be postmarked by December 31 (or June 30 for fiscal year purposes).
Credit Card: If you are making a gift by credit card, be aware that your legal gift date is the date the charge hits your account, rather than a postmark date. Final credit card gifts are run during college business hours (PST); please submit your credit card gift by noon on the last business day of the year. You can give online, or you can charge your card by calling the Director of Advancement Services at 805.565.6054.
I am an alumni, how do I help increase the alumni giving percentage?
Giving once a year, at any level, helps the college maintain and improve its alumni giving percentage. This percentage factors into college rankings. More importantly, it indicates the support of alumni for the mission of the college — important to any potential funder. Consider becoming a monthly donor to maintain your annual support!
I’m celebrating my reunion this year. Where should I direct a reunion gift?
Class gifts are a celebrated part of the reunion year — with a special emphasis on participation over dollar amount. If you are giving by check, make it payable to “Westmont College”. We will automatically credit your class, and if you are married to an alum you will each get credit as donors. You can find out about your class’s campaign by visiting the Class Giving section of this site.
I didn’t attend Westmont / I attended but didn’t graduate from the college. Is it unusual to be a non-graduate donor?
Many of Westmont’s strongest and most vocal supporters graduated from a different school. For former students, remember, we consider you an alum after attending one semester. If you believe in the value of offering new generations of students a liberal arts education, rooted in Christ, we welcome your support.
On the other hand, if you did not graduate from the college and prefer not to hear from Westmont, just let us know. Email us your request.
What are the tax benefits of making a gift to Westmont?
Westmont is a non-profit institution. Your gift to Westmont is tax deductible as allowed by law.
Westmont’s federal tax I.D. number is: 95-1684793.
If you make a gift online, we will receive a confirmation e-mail and we will send you a receipt in the mail. Keep this receipt for your records.
What are the different ways I can make my gift to Westmont?
Credit card gifts can be made online or over the phone at (805) 565-6833.
Checks can be made out to “Westmont College” and mailed to:
Westmont College
Office of College Advancement
955 La Paz Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108-1089
Please tell us where you want to direct your gift.
Stock / Securities
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
How much control can I have over the use of my gift?
The online giving form offers several giving options for gifts. If you wish to support a specific department or student ministry, provide the name in the “Other” designation.
You may not indicate the name of a specific student and also receive a charitable receipt. To make a student tuition payment, contact Westmont’s Business Office / Student Accounts at 805.565.6021 or studacct@westmont.edu.Gifts to the Westmont Annual Fund are unrestricted and are applied each year to the areas of highest impact on campus.
How can I update my address?
Alumni: Use the on-line alumni directory
Non-alumni: Use the address update form
What is the Westmont Annual Fund?
The college’s highest priority for annual giving, it is the means by which Westmont alumni, students, parents, and friends can most effectively contribute financial support to current educational and athletic programs and student life. The Westmont Annual Fund is used exclusively to support current students. It provides budget-relieving dollars help to close the gap between tuition and the actual cost of education.
What do gifts to the Westmont Annual Fund support?
Gifts to the Westmont Fund go to areas of highest impact on campus:
* Attracting and educating a diverse, highly qualified student body (with special emphasis on scholarships).
* Recruiting and retaining the finest faculty.
* Housing students in a residential learning environment.
* Ensuring the technology and facilities that facilitate an exceptional college experience.
What are the annual giving societies I can join?
The Sustainer’s Circle
Donors who have supported the Westmont Annual Fund for the last two fiscal years are members.
The President’s Associates
Donors of $1,000 or more annually (July 1 - June 30) to the Westmont Annual Fund. Recent graduates (within five years) may become President’s Associates with a contribution of $500.
What calendar does the Westmont Annual Fund use to recognize gifts?
The Westmont Annual Fund recognizes gifts according to the college’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30.
The exception is class reunion campaigns. They run between reunions to allow classes a full year to fundraise (Oct. - Sept.).
I still have questions about The Westmont Annual Fund. Where can I get more information? Email the office of annual giving.