Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions about the Foundation and working with Advancement.
Thank you! Setting up automatic payroll deduction is simple. Please follow this link to learn more.
The Check Request Form is used to access and/or reimburse program charges covered by the appropriate program fund agreement. For full details, refer to the Check Request Process Overview linked below. Supporting documentation may include invoices, receipts, and purchase requisitions, among other things.
Check Request Form (same form for all campuses)
Donations can be made via credit card, wire transfer, DAF, stock, payroll deduction, planned gifts, in-kind contributions and more. All donations are tax-deductible (Tax ID: 83-0551671).
We welcome unique gifts that can enrich our educational programs. As mentioned above, before accepting any in-kind items, please contact us for guidance on the next steps.
If needed, set a boundary. Politely redirect them by saying, “Thank you for your interest! My focus is on our students. The Advancement team is your best resource for donor-related questions. You can reach them at advancement@seattlecolleges.edu or 206-934-2939.”
Refer students to financial aid or student support services. Foundation scholarships are awarded annually, with funds available in the fall.
While state funding and tuition revenue form Seattle Colleges’ operational foundation, it doesn’t cover everything. Community-focused fundraising and targeted grants allow us to amplify our impact and achieve ambitious goals. These funds enable us to:
Expand programs to meet workforce needs and support inclusive education.
Invest in technology and facilities to create innovative learning spaces.
Directly support students through scholarships, emergency aid, and more.
A good place to start is with your major giving liaison. In preparation for reaching out, it would be helpful to have considered these questions:
What are you trying to accomplish?
How does your initiative address a challenge or broader societal need?
What is your (or your department’s) competitive advantage?
Strengths, contributions and qualifications?What is required financially and what impact will it have?
Please use Together at Seattle Colleges, our Crowdfunding/Peer-to-Peer platform JustGiving, to run any fundraisers outside of Advancement. More information can be found in the Annual Giving section.
Seattle Colleges Foundation and write in the memo line what the donation is restricted to.
Your major giving liaison is available to speak with you about working with prospective donors. They will partner with you to assess the best strategy for the donor and assist in relationship building and solicitations. They can provide advice on appropriate language to use, how to structure a solicitation and other useful tips. They may also have knowledge of the donor's areas of interest/involvement, as appropriate.
Start with Advancement on all topics related to generating philanthropic support from an individual or other private source. When seeking support from government sources, like academic grants and contracts, please contact the Grants Office.
The Advancement team is available to work with groups who are working across disciplines. As a starting point, please contact Vice Chancellor of Advancement and CEO of the Foundation, Kerry Howell, who can assemble a team to work with your group.
Yes! If a donor is doing so offline, please contact Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Nicholas Pennington, for further direction.