Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What if I don't know where I really want my gift to go? 

A. You can make an "unrestricted" gift which means you want your gift to go where the need is greatest. For a more thorough explanation see Restricted or Unrestricted Gift.

Q. What if I know I don't want to support some particular area of study?

A. You can make a gift and specify to use the gift where needed most but be sure none of it goes to...and name the area.

Q. What if I really want my gift to go to one area?

A. Many gifts are "restricted" gifts.   You may designate that your gift goes to a specific department or area.  We always honor the donor's wishes - our job is to be a good steward of your money. Please know that at a state assisted university your support is very necessary and very important to us. Please call one of our directors if we can help you to help us advance the mission of IPFW.

Q. What if I want to give to IPFW but don't feel ready to make a "planned gift"?

A. To discuss your goals, call Linda L. Ruffolo, Executive Director of Development, 481-6659, or William "Bill" J. Shustowski, Jr., CFRE, Associate Executive Director of Development, 481-6660, or
Jay S. Thayer, Assistant Director of Development, 481-6963 or Rich Miller, Director of Athletic Development, 260-481-6894.

Q. Do I need a lawyer to leave money to IPFW when I die? 

A.  Yes, if you want to leave money or things specifically to IPFW or even to your own family members, you should have a lawyer write a will.  Verbal promises or assuming things will go where you want them may not happen otherwise.  Once a year in October, IPFW participates in a “free” opportunity to write a will on campus with an attorney. Contact Jay S. Thayer, Assistant Director of Development, 481-6963.

Q. Isn’t IPFW a “state” school?  Why do you have to raise money?

A. Only about 50% of the university’s operating budget comes from tuition and state assistance.  The remaining budget depends upon donor support and other funding.  Donor support keeps tuition more affordable and more reasonable for all of our students.

Q. What is the difference between “State Supported” and “State Assisted” funding?

A.  State supported means that the state provides most of the funding.  State assisted means that the state provides only a small portion of the funding. 

For further clarification to these question or additional questions contact one of the following:

Linda L. Ruffolo
Executive Director of Development
260-481-6659
E-mail: ruffolo@ipfw.edu

Jay S. Thayer
Assistant Director of Development
260-481-6963
E-mail: thayerj@ipfw.edu

Richard Miller
Director of Athletic Development
260-481-6894
E-mail:  millerr@ipfw.edu