The Fresno Pacific University Foundation Welcomes Everyone

“Foundation”—few words sound more imposing.

Skyscrapers rest on foundations of rock and concrete. Marriages are built on foundations of love and respect. Christianity is founded on the promises of Jesus and the Word of God.

What about a foundation of committed friends supporting a place dedicated to education? Welcome to the Fresno Pacific University Foundation.

If that sounds friendly and accessible, then count Steven Redekop pleased. Redekop is the director of foundation and legacy gifts, whose warm smile may be a new donor’s first welcome.

The foundation’s purpose is simple—support university students and programs. “We exist solely to benefit FPU,” Redekop says.

That uncomplicated definition can play out in several ways. While a conversation with Redekop is perhaps the best way for a supporter to plan their route, a couple of major directions stand out:

Endowed Scholarships

The foundation oversees nearly 100 scholarships, many directed to fields—nursing, biblical and religious studies, business, accounting, Christian ministries—or groups of students—athletes, musicians, seminarians and international students.

Established for at least $10,000, endowed scholarships provide funds forever. Donors may start their own or give to one that exists. “One of the most accessible ways to give is by establishing an endowed scholarship,” Redekop says.

Scholarship awards range generally from $500-10,000 and some go to more than one student. “For me this is pretty motivating,” he adds.

Planned Gifts

Planned gifts allow varied donors numerous opportunities to leave a legacy. Funds may come from stocks, bonds, real estate, retirement assets, insurance, IRA rollovers and more, and be set up as trusts, annuities or other structures.

Donors may benefit a school, program, facility or activity. Gifts may also be left unrestricted, so university leaders can direct funds to projects or immediate needs.

Whatever the method and source of the funds, this support is not just for the wealthy or those in or nearing retirement. “Planned gifts are available to a variety of donors,” Redekop says.

Benefits to Donors

Gifts to the FPU Foundation benefit the heart, spirit and budget of those who kindly give.

Each gift helps a donor support their passion: for the university, its students and/or a favorite program or activity. All contributions also provide an immediate tax deduction.

Depending on the kind of gift, donors may also receive income for life and further tax benefits, such as capital gains relief. “A gift to the foundation maximizes tax advantages,” Redekop says.

One thing common to foundation donations is they are rarely cash. For large cash gifts, contact Major Gifts Officer Matt Mazzoni at matt.mazzoni@fresno.edu or 559-453-3613.

The Heritage Society

Friends who name FPU and its foundation in a planned gift, will or lifetime donation join the Heritage Society. Members are recognized annually and receive updates on tax changes and issues related to their estate planning. “A bequest today can put you in the Heritage Society and cost you nothing now,” Redekop says.

Whatever a donor’s circumstances, there are a couple of easy ways to join the foundation. One is to make FPU the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. “That’s a simple gift,” Redekop says.

Another is an IRA rollover gift. People with IRAs must take some funds from the account after a certain age. Giving these proceeds to FPU means they will not be taxed as income. “That’s a planned gift for everyone with an IRA,” Redekop says.

Redekop’s message is as clear as the foundation’s purpose. “Giving to the FPU Foundation is for everyone,” he says. “Every donor is valuable. We’re creating a pipeline of support to the university that just keeps giving.”

Foundation Structure

The FPU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation guided by a 10-member board whose experience in banking, investment, accounting, agriculture and industry guides how funds are invested. Many directors are longtime members, and several are FPU alumni; a current student and a faculty member have been added. The board includes Mark Deffenbacher, foundation executive director emeritus. Overseeing foundation operations is Liz Garvin, university vice president for advancement and executive director of the foundation. Rounding out the full-time staff with Redekop is Office Administrator Sarah Knight.

More at fpu.edu/foundation.