Please contact University Advancement with any questions you have concerning financial support of CNU. Below are some common questions we receive from donors.

Q. Why does CNU need private funds? Isn't it a publicly funded state university?
A.  CNU programs are funded through private support, tuition, room and board fees, state operating funds, and bonds for construction of new facilities. Private donor support is especially critical for construction of selected facilities, student scholarships, faculty development, research, specialized equipment, student development initiatives, library acquisitions, and programs in the arts and athletics.        

Q. Who donates to CNU?
A.     Support comes from alumni, parents, corporations, foundations and other university friends.

Q. What are some priority activities to which I may designate my gift?
A.  Donors are provided several options for designating their gift. General categories of giving include: building projects, scholarships, faculty development and support, the library, arts programs, and athletics. Providing a gift to the Annual Fund for Academic Excellence gives the University flexibility to apply your gift to many different activities that support the CNU academic experience. Current building construction campaigns include the CNU chapel and Alumni House.

Q. Will my company match my gift?
A.  Utilizing your company’s matching gift program is a great way to increase the total financial impact of your gift. To activate matching gifts, you typically will need to contact your human resources department for a description of your company’s matching gift policies, as well as to obtain a document you will need to submit with your contribution. Several companies have indicated to us that they have a matching gift program. 

Q. May I dedicate my donation to an individual or organization?
A.  Many donors choose to recognize a friend, family member or highly regarded professor by contributing a gift in his/her honor. Scholarships, named buildings and rooms within buildings, and unrestricted or restricted gifts to academic departments or other programs such as those in the arts and athletics represent some ways donors honor individuals with their gifts. Consult the advancement staff regarding ways to honor individuals through a gift. 

Q. How can I set up a scholarship?
A.  Setting up a scholarship to benefit CNU students is a simple process. Please see the scholarship page for general guidelines. CNU advancement staff will consult with you concerning the criteria for the scholarship you will support and explain the different annual and endowed scholarship options.

Q. What kind of gift offers the greatest tax advantages for donors?
A. Donors are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors concerning the potential tax implications of any gift they contemplate making to Christopher Newport University.   Gifts from individuals and organizations can reap substantial tax benefits for the donor.  These benefits are dependent on several factors.