Giving

You Can Change Lives

Your generosity makes a big difference in the lives of our students. We value your contributions as we work together to create a prosperous future for our students and our university. Your gifts fund vital scholarships, world-class faculty, innovative programs and more. See how to give below.

You Can Change Lives

Imagine: If every alumnus gave $50 per year, the resulting $4.5 million would create life-changing opportunities for students! High participation rates in alumni giving inspire others to give and positively impact national college rankings. Your gift, no matter the size, is helping to increase the value of your degree and the success of future graduates.

Thank you for your commitment to your fellow Lions and your dedication to their success.

Support Your Lions

Ways to Give

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Foundation Relations & Corporate Philanthropy

If you are a private or corporate foundation representative interested in partnering with East Texas A&M, we are here to help:

  • Navigate the university.
  • Make introductions to researchers and academic leaders.
  • Collaborate to identify university priorities and programs that best support your organization’s work and mission.
  • Arrange campus visits.

Gift Planning

There are many ways you can make an impact at East Texas A&M through a future gift. Our Plan My Legacy site provides some helpful information to get you started. You may also contact the Office of Gift Planning at [email protected] or 903.468.8181.

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Gifts of Stock

Gifts of stock are converted to cash before they are deposited into a foundation account.

Please contact us at [email protected] or 903.468.8180 with any questions or for additional information about your stock gift.

Please consult your tax advisor regarding the benefits of donating securities.

View Additional Information

Gifts of Real Estate

When you gift real property to East Texas A&M, you may receive benefits such as a charitable income tax deduction, savings on capital gains taxes and a reduced taxable estate.

Contact us at [email protected] or 903.468.8180.

Use Plan My Legacy if your gift of real estate may be part of a planned gift.

Please check with your tax advisor regarding the benefits of donating real property. Gifts of real estate are reviewed and approved by the Office of Budgets and Accounting and the System Office of General Counsel.

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Gifts in Kind

Please contact us at [email protected] or 903.468.8180 to discuss your non-cash gift. Approval is needed before items can be accepted.

Outright Gifts

Outright gifts provide immediate support to your university. They can enhance programs, establish or increase endowments, or assist in areas of greatest need. They also help the university carry out its daily mission to Educate. Discover. Achieve.

You can make an outright donation in the following ways:

Make a gift with a credit card or electronic check by phone at 903.468.8187 or online. You may choose a one-time or recurring gift.

When you make gifts by cash or check, simply include a note or use the check’s field memo to express your wishes regarding the designation of your gift.

Please make checks payable to:
East Texas A&M University Foundation

Please mail checks to:
East Texas A&M University Foundation
P.O. Box 3425
Commerce, TX 75429-3425

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Multiply your gift with employer matching.

Many corporations have demonstrated their support for East Texas A&M by matching or multiplying their current or retired employees’ gifts. Consult your company's human resources department or our office for details about how to match your gift. Search below to see if your company has a matching gifts program and to learn more about how to initiate the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

My gift of $10, $50 or $100 would be a drop in the bucket. Will it really make a difference?

Every gift makes a difference, and your gift can accomplish much more than you think. East Texas A&M has over 90,000 living alumni. If every alumnus gave $50 per year, the resulting $4.5 million would create life-changing opportunities for students! High participation rates in alumni giving inspire others to give and also positively impact national college rankings. Your gift, no matter the size, is helping to increase the value of your degree and the success of future graduates.

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May I choose where my donation goes?

Yes, absolutely! Your decision to give to East Texas A&M is voluntary and we want to ensure that your donor experience is the best it can be. Contact [email protected] for further information on how to become a donor.

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Don’t you receive funding from The Texas A&M University System? Can’t they help out more?

East Texas A&M does not receive funding from The Texas A&M University System. As a state institution, our funds are sourced from students, the Texas Legislature and philanthropy.

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May I pay my donation out over time?

We offer a variety of options to make giving convenient for you and consistent with your philanthropic goals. Gifts may be made monthly, annually or over a designated time period. Make a pledge online.

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I don't want anybody to know that I have made a contribution. Is it possible to remain anonymous?

Yes, we work hard to respect our donors’ wishes and ensure a positive and gratifying giving experience. All you need to do is notify us of your request to remain anonymous when you make a donation. We will not make your contribution public.

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My gift may encourage others to give. What kind of donor recognition is available?

We show appreciation to our donors in a myriad of ways, but most importantly, in the way that best represents you as the donor and the impact on the lives you are changing. Stewarding you and your gift and communicating the impact of your support is a priority at East Texas A&M. Each gift and each donor’s story is unique. We will provide you with a distinct donor experience that reflects the intent of your generosity. To further discuss recognition options, please contact us at 903.468.8187 or [email protected].

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I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about East Texas A&M University. Is this a legitimate project or is it a scam?

It’s legit! We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for East Texas A&M University. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years. This project allows East Texas A&M University to hear about your personal experiences and explain how East Texas A&M University has helped shape your lives.

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How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.

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Who should I call if I have more questions?

If you would like to speak with someone regarding a donation to a specific college, endowment, fund or program, or if you would like to make a donation over the phone, please contact Kim Jefferies in Philanthropy Operations at [email protected] or 903.886.5712. 
If you would like to speak with someone regarding Bridge Builders or Annual Giving, please contact Laura Lucas at 903.468.8181.

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What is the relationship between the university and the East Texas A&M Foundation?

The Foundation has a separate board of directors who work in partnership with East Texas A&M to meet strategic goals and serve the university’s mission by raising private funds. Learn more about the Foundation Board.

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Who invests my endowed funds?

All endowed funds are deposited through their related 501(c)(3) (the East Texas A&M University Foundation or the Texas A&M University Alumni Association). All funds are managed by The Texas A&M University System. The Foundation and Alumni Association have a shared services affiliation with the university; therefore, they have no employees, equipment or space of their own. University employees provide the necessary services and resources for the operation of the Foundation and Alumni Association.

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How much does it cost to attend East Texas A&M University?

East Texas A&M prides itself on offering an accessible, affordable and quality education. Find out more about costs of attendance.

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We are Here to Help!

The Division of Philanthropy and Engagement at East Texas A&M is ready to help make your philanthropic dreams come true. Our professional staff oversees major giving, planned giving, annual giving, operations, alumni relations and engagement. They look forward to helping you find the best way to support the Lion family. Please reach out to us today!

Alum Amy Bassham Executive Assistant to the Vice President
Alum Brianna Butler Associate Director of Philanthropy
Brenda Cowen Administrative Associate V
Devin Girod Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement
Alum Hailey Hanna Assistant Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations
Kirstin Ivy Director of Philanthropy
Kim Jefferies Coordinator of Gift Processing; Staff Council President
Tre Johnson Assistant Athletic Director for Development
Laura Kramer-Lucas Senior Director of Annual Giving and Special Programs
Alum Jim Lewis Senior Advancement Officer
Alum Amanda Lowe Director of Alumni Engagement
Alum Gina Lowe Associate Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement
Alum Shannon Pruden Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Alum Joi Saville Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
Brandon Stein Director of Philanthropy Operations
Kloe Walker Assistant Director of Alumni Marketing and Membership

Contact Us

  • 2600 South Neal St, Commerce, TX 75428 McDowell, Suite 350
  • P.O. Box 3425, Commerce, TX 75429-3425
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