Support the Next Generation of Difference-Makers
Manchester University graduates go on to do extraordinary things—but they don’t get there alone. With your support, students gain the education, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed and shape a better, bolder world.
Student Impact Success Stories
Addie Neher
Giving Our Best
Addie Neher believes that the best use of her time is giving it to other people.
Samuel Tetteh Quarshie
Giving Our Best
For Samuel Tetteh Quarshie, giving his best means being true to himself.
Where to Give
The Manchester Fund
Tuition covers only part of a Manchester education, so The Manchester Fund—an $11 million pillar of the Manchester Bold campaign—bridges the gap every day.
As MU’s unrestricted annual fund, it delivers flexible dollars the moment a need or opportunity appears. Gifts can top up scholarship aid when government grants fall short, replace a broken rooftop chiller in midsummer, cover surprise winter utility spikes, or send the Spartan baseball team to the NCAA finals. The Manchester Fund also upgrades Wi-Fi, tunes campus pianos, equips labs, stocks the library, and powers signature events like Homecoming and May Day, ensuring students enjoy a seamless, opportunity-rich experience. It has averaged about $1.08 million a year, and MU aims to grow it by at least 2 percent annually so resources keep pace with inflation. Every gift—large or small—lets Manchester say “yes” to urgent needs and elevates the learning, safety, and memories of students on both campuses.
Commemorative Tree Program - A Living Legacy
Planting a tree is an act of faith. It’s a way to memorialize the present and to leave a gift to future generations who will become our world’s caretakers.
Manchester University is a beautiful place today because people who came before us were inspired to make a visible impact that would long outlast them. You can join that living legacy. The Commemorative Tree Program provides alumni and friends a way to honor a special person or event with the gift of a tree. Trees can be planted in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a birthday, graduation, retirement, or other special occasion. The trees enhance Manchester’s campus and benefit the environment, too. While the trees are not personalized, a brief personal inscription of the donor’s choice will be engraved on a wall sculpture in the Jo Young Switzer Center. A minimum donation of $500 ensures your tree will be planted and cared for so it benefits students for generations to come. To donate a tree, contact the Advancement Office: 260-982-5384 or toll-free at 888-257-2586, or give online (via the Give Now link above).
Endowment
The $8 million Manchester University endowment is a permanent, invested asset that generates a steady revenue stream—providing the solid footing on which MU can build students’ futures.
Earnings fund high-impact experiences such as study abroad, service learning, undergraduate research, and internships; they also supply grants for faculty curriculum innovation and, critically, endowed scholarships that keep college affordable and reduce debt for first-generation and low-income students. A strong, flexible endowment lets this tuition-dependent university weather market swings, cover short-term operating needs, and plan confidently for long-term priorities. Unrestricted gifts are especially powerful: while the principal is preserved in perpetuity, investment income can be directed wherever the University’s greatest need or opportunity arises—from cutting-edge academic initiatives to replacing essential equipment. By creating or adding to an endowed fund, donors build a lasting legacy whose impact compounds over time, ensuring generations of Spartans have access to transformative learning and graduate ready to lead and serve.
Faculty & Staff Giving
Manchester’s faculty and staff giving program invites employees to partner financially in MU’s mission to graduate persons of ability and conviction, extending the one-on-one mentoring culture students value.
Gifts fuel hands-on learning, a close-knit campus community, and service opportunities that shape lives. Giving is easy: set up payroll deduction for automatic gifts, or give by check, credit card (one-time or monthly), appreciated securities, bequests, or life-insurance proceeds. Keep contributions unrestricted to The Manchester Fund for maximum flexibility, or direct them to a department, scholarship, athletics, technology, and more. Amounts stay confidential; gifts of $1,500+ earn President’s Society recognition, and anonymity is optional. Your spouse’s employer match can double the impact, and Indiana residents may claim a 50% state tax credit on the first $100 (individual) or $200 (joint) donated each year. Participation at any level matters—every gift strengthens the student experience.
How to Give – FAQs
How can I give?
There are many easy ways to make a gift to Manchester University.
- Payroll deduction (fill out the form)
- Check (made payable to Manchester University, please, and mailed or walked into the Advancement Office)
- Give online via credit card one time, or on a monthly basis
- Appreciated securities and bonds (contact a member of the Advancement team)
- Bequests (contact a member of the Advancement team)
- Life insurance (contact a member of the Advancement team)
How does payroll deduction work?
This is the fastest, easiest and most convenient way for MU employees to make a gift. Fill out a payroll deduction form, specifying the amount you would like deducted from each paycheck, the start date, and where you would like your gift designated. You can have that amount deducted until further notice, or specify an end date or a specific total gift amount.
What can I give to?
There are many areas that can benefit from your gift, and it’s all up to you! Many donors make an “unrestricted” gift to The Manchester Fund, which allows the institution to decide the area of greatest need. You may opt to restrict your gift to a particular academic department or program, or to support technology improvements, the library, athletics, or one of our many scholarships benefiting MU students.
Who will know about my gift?
Participation is your choice. You will receive a receipt for your gift, but the amount will remain confidential to others. With a gift of $1,500 or more within a calendar year, you will be acknowledged as a member of the President’s Society. If you prefer, you may remain anonymous.
Can I apply for matching gift credit with my spouse’s employer?
If your spouse’s employer matches charitable gifts, we encourage you to complete their matching gift form. Manchester benefits twice!
How much should I give?
Choose the amount to give based on your financial capacity and charitable interests. Your participation at any level is greatly appreciated. A handy gift chart is included here for your reference. Your participation really matters!
** If you live in Indiana you get an even better deal because 50 percent of your gift — up to $100 for individuals or $200 for couples — becomes a credit against your state income tax.
Matching & Corporate Gifts
Whether it’s a corporate matching program or a contribution made directly to Manchester University through cash, grants, products, or services, corporate support represents a partnership in the advancement of students and faculty.
Many companies match the gifts of their employees, board members, and retirees. Matching gifts can double and sometimes triple the value of your gift to the University and your support of the programs important to you. If your company has a matching gift program, request a matching gift form from your employer and send it completed with your gift. These forms can often be found in your human resources office or on an intranet site for company forms. For any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at matchinggift@manchester.edu or call 260-982-5126
Spartan Athletics
Spartan Athletics is one of Manchester’s best “classrooms,” shaping character, teamwork, and resilience.
More than 450 Spartans compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports within the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC), and 75 percent of all students stay active through 14 intramural leagues. Gifts to athletics underwrite equipment, travel, facility upgrades, and signature events. A prime example is the Friends of Manchester Golf Outing, which has raised over $1 million for press boxes, bleachers, and film-editing gear. You can make an immediate impact by contributing online, joining the M Association (for varsity letter-winners), or sponsoring the annual golf outing. Your support sustains conference titles, national qualifiers, and such milestones as five straight HCAC Women’s All-Sports Trophies while promoting lifelong fitness for every student.
Outright Gifts: Cash or Credit Card
“Cash” gifts
A gift of cash is simple and provides tax savings due to the charitable deduction that you receive. Saving taxes is not the reason alumni and friends support our mission, but it can enable donors to contribute more than they thought possible.
Giving by check, money order or bank draft:
Please make payable to Manchester University and mail to:
Advancement Office, Manchester University, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962.
Giving by credit card:
Give online
Via telephone – please call 260-982-5223 or 888-257-2586.
Electronic funds transfer:
To set up an electronic funds transfer, download the EFT Authorization form.
Wire transfer:
Please contact the Advancement Office for instructions.
In 2023, we met our $45 million Manchester Bold campaign goal two years early—thanks to generous donors like you!
Why Give?
Aaron '94 and Jodi Pippenger Fetrow '95
“Manchester University is very important to us. It was a special time in our lives and we want it to be a special time in others’ lives, too.”
Dr. Stephen Knaus '00
“My years at Manchester allowed me to pursue a career in medicine and, more importantly, to grow as a human being and establish lifelong friendships. I give so others can have their own experience at Manchester.”
Will '08 and Kelli Barkey '09 Patch
“Our parents were great role models for us, modeling the importance of giving back. We’ve been fortunate and had a lot of opportunities and we are able to give back with a gift each month. We want other students to have the same opportunities, or even more, than we did.”
A Culture of Giving
Join a Giving Society
With the generous support of alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends, Manchester University has been graduating leaders inspired to make the world a better place since 1889. Our giving societies have been established to recognize these donors who demonstrate their commitment to Manchester’s mission through their philanthropic endeavors.
The Otho Winger Society
The Otho Winger Society was created to celebrate one of Manchester University’s great leaders and to recognize donors who have included Manchester in their estate plan or have established a deferred gift with Manchester University. See more about planned giving below.
The President’s Society
The President’s Society honors the generous donors who have contributed $1,500+ to Manchester during the given calendar year. These gifts reflect an extraordinary commitment to the students, faculty, and staff of Manchester University.
The Chime Tower Society
The Chime Tower Society was established with deep gratitude for those who help ensure the strength and vitality of our University through unwavering support, leadership, and cumulative gifts of $50,000 or more during their lifetime.
Planned Giving: Leave a Lasting Legacy
Planned giving empowers you to make a lasting impact on future generations of Manchester graduates. From bequests to charitable annuities, these thoughtful gifts support students while aligning with your financial and philanthropic goals.
Tax Deductions and Credits
Because Manchester is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, your gifts are deductible for federal tax purposes. If you live in Indiana, you get an even better deal because 50 percent of your gift — up to $100 for individuals or $200 for couples — becomes a credit against your state income tax.
Connect with Our Advancement Team
Have questions about giving to Manchester University? Our Advancement team is here to help. Whether you’re exploring options or ready to make a gift, we’d love to hear from you and support your philanthropic goals.
Donor Bill of Rights
Bill of Rights
Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:
- To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
- To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
- To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
- To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
- To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
- To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
- To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
- To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
- To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
- To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
The text of this statement in its entirety was developed by the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel (AAFRC), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Association of Fundraising
Professionals (AFP), and adopted in November 1993.