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The John Marshall Law School Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
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- 1. How does the Foundation serve John Marshall?
The John Marshall Law School Foundation exists solely for the benefit of the students, faculty, staff and alumni of John Marshall. The Foundation is the preferred channel for private gifts to all areas of the law school. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that elects its officers and appoints its staff.
Through annual giving programs, planned gifts (via wills, trusts, and other methods of giving), major gifts, and special-purpose campaigns, the Foundation works to generate private support from alumni and friends.
- 2. Why does The John Marshall Law School have a Foundation?
The John Marshall Law School Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charity, managed by an independent volunteer board of directors who are responsible for providing oversight of fundraising activities ensuring gifts are used as donors have directed. The Foundation was created to assist in developing and increasing opportunities for our students and faculty and improving the facilities at John Marshall. The Foundation will also receive, hold, and administer gifts with the primary objective of serving the education purposes of the law school.
- 3. What are the Foundation’s fund-raising priorities and who sets them?
Because The John Marshall Law School Foundation was established to facilitate the law school’s mission, the Foundation’s major initiatives, such as large capital campaigns, are set by the Dean and the Board of Trustees of The John Marshall Law School in concurrence with the President of the Foundation and the Board of Directors.
- 4. What is the difference between restricted and unrestricted gifts?
An unrestricted gift is given to the law school without any restrictions on its use—they enable John Marshall to place the contributions where the most critical need exists. Restricted gifts, on the other hand, are earmarked by the donor for a specific program or purpose.
Donations of any amount may be restricted to a specific program. Please note the program name when making your gift, or contact the Foundation for more information on restricting your gift.
- 5. How does my gift go where the need is greatest?
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The Board of Trustees and the Dean of The John Marshall Law School direct the use of unrestricted gifts based upon their direct knowledge of the law school’s priorities.
- 6. What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is a comprehensive program for soliciting ongoing financial support for John Marshall’s programs and students. The Annual Fund’s telephone calls and direct mail solicitations combine our annual appeals into one simple and direct program that is more convenient and flexible for its donors.
- 7. What is an endowed fund?
An endowed fund is a sum of money invested to fund a particular project, such as a student scholarship. The initial investment, called the principal, is intended to continue forever, with the investment income from the principal providing perpetual funding. To endow a fund at The John Marshall Law School, a donor must agree to provide a principal of $25,000 and sign guidelines indicating how the earnings on the principal will be used.
- 8. Does the Foundation accept every gift offered by donors?
The John Marshall Law School Foundation accepts most, but not all, gifts that are offered by donors. Cash gifts, and gifts which are readily or eventually convertible to cash (stocks, bonds, insurance policies, annuity contracts, etc.), are the most easily accepted. Gifts of real property (land, buildings, etc.) and tangible personal property (artwork, jewelry, historical artifacts, etc.) are accepted on a case-by-case basis after a thorough review of the following factors:
- Fair market value
- Existence of restrictions
- Reservations
- Easements
- Other limitations
- Marketability of the property
- Clear title
- Location
- Environmental assessment
- Cost to John Marshall associated with ownership
- Likelihood of use for John Marshall’s educational mission
- 9. To whom do I write my check?
The John Marshall Law School Foundation.
(If you would like to support a specific program, please refer to it in the memo section of your check.)
- 10. Where do I send my check?
The John Marshall Law School Foundation
315 S. Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604- 11. Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes, to the extent allowable by law. You must claim the gift as an itemized deduction on your tax return.
The John Marshall Law School Foundation is a nonprofit IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) organization that is structurally separate from The John Marshall Law School and exists solely for the benefit of our students, faculty, and staff; serving as the preferred channel for private gifts to all areas of the law school.
The Foundation’s taxpayer identification number is 20-8262036.
- 12. Will I get a receipt for tax purposes?
Yes, soon after your gift is received, you will receive a printed receipt for your gift. If you give online, you'll also receive a confirmation of your gift via email.
- 13. I have more questions about making a gift. Whom do I contact?
If you have additional questions about making a gift, please contact us at:
The John Marshall Law School Foundation
315 S. Plymouth Court
Chicago, IL 60604Phone: 312.360.2663
foundation@jmls.edu
