I consider my position at the university as a stewardship, and I think I have some obligation to return a small portion of that. Jan Carter, manager of the T4G program, agrees that the size of the contribution isn't important. In other words, we can really make a difference. Outside donors look at the level of participation of university employees when considering whether to contribute, Carter adds. When they see that people believe in their own organization and are willing to sacrifice for it, they are more willing to add their donation knowing it will go to good use.
Participants are welcome to earmark their contributions for specific programs.
But there is also a growing need for unrestricted donations that can be used to fund overlooked areas. Carter explains a simple switch in donation methodology that can enable many members of the campus community to participate in the T4G program. Instead of writing an annual check for membership fees for the Cougar Club, KBYU or the Museum of Art, employees can have those fees paid more efficiently through the payroll deduction method of T4G program. Seeing the number of new participants this year has been encouraging, Carter says. With the large numbers of faculty retiring we are losing many of our long time participants.