FAQ
Q. What is Donor Challenge?
Donor Challenge is a fundraising event for Saint Mary's College. This is an opportunity for alumnae, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends to come together to support current and future Saint Mary's students. This year, Donor Challenge culminates on February 27, 2025.
Q. How can I make my gift for Donor Challenge?
Online: Visit donorchallenge.saintmarys.edu (or click the "Give" button at the top of your screen)
Phone: Call us at (800) 762-8871
PayPal
Venmo
Mail: Send a check dated on or before February 27, 2025 with "Donor Challenge" written in the note section to the following address:
Saint Mary's College
Attn: Office of Annual Giving
110 Le Mans Hall
Notre Dame, IN 46556-5001
Q. Why is giving during Donor Challenge important? How is it different than giving any other day?
During Donor Challenge, the College has the opportunity to receive additional gifts for the Saint Mary's Fund through various challenges. Be sure to join us on throughout the month and on February 27 to learn more about how your support goes further during Donor Challenge.
Q. What is an affinity?
This is your affiliation to the College (alumna, parent, student, faculty/staff, friend).
Q. What if I fall into more than one affinity? Does my gift count for all affinity groups I am part of?
No, your gift only counts for one affinity challenge. If, for example, you are an alumna and a parent, your gift only counts toward the alumnae challenge because that is your College-determined prioritized affinity. If your spouse, who is not an alum but is a parent, makes a gift, their donation counts toward the parent challenge. Unfortunately, we cannot double-count affinities because it will skew our challenge data for Donor Challenge.
Q. Does my gift count toward my annual giving totals?
Yes! Your gift counted toward your annual and lifetime giving totals, and any associated giving societies (e.g. Madeleva Society, Faithful Giving Society, etc.).
Q. It's my Reunion year. Did my gift count for my Reunion Gift Campaign?
Yes! If you give during Donor Challenge, your gift counts for Donor Challenge AND Reunion Gift Campaign.
Q. Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes, your gift during Donor Challenge is tax-deductible. You will receive an electronic receipt for tax purposes after making your gift during Donor Challenge. This receipt will be sent to the email you provide upon making your gift. If you cannot locate your Donor Challenge receipt, please contact us at smcafund@saintmarys.edu and we will provide another copy.
Q. I already made a gift to Saint Mary's this year. Will that count for Donor Challenge?
Thank you for your support! Donor Challenge only includes gifts made between January 15 and February 27, 2025. If you already made a gift but would still like to support Donor Challenge, please consider making an additional gift.
Q. Can I make a gift on behalf of someone else?
Yes, but the donor name you provide when making the gift will be credited for tax purposes.
Q. Is there a gift minimum?
Yes, the minimum gift is $1.
Q. What is the optional fee on the giving form?
While these fees are optional for donors to cover, credit card processing fees are an additional 2.5% + $0.30 for all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). Fees for PayPal are $1.99% + $0.49 for domestic charity transactions. In addition, the technology we use for this event retains a 3% campaign management fee from all donations.
Q. Do I need to create an account with GiveGab/Bonterra?
No. You do not need to create an account to make a donation. The benefits of creating an account include having your tax receipts collected in one location, being able to track your donations, follow the charities you support, and engage in future volunteering and donations. Your tax receipt is emailed immediately upon processing your donation. To claim a donation as a deduction on U.S. taxes, you should retain the donation receipt as an official record.
Q. I still have questions. Who can I contact?
Please contact us at (800) 762-8871 or smcafund@saintmarys.edu.