The Franklin University Switzerland community extends well beyond graduation. Each year a graduating class leaves the Franklin campus and the beautiful surroundings of the Ticino region. While those students may no longer be here on campus, we hope they remain active and involved in the future of the school. Involvement can be through sharing of their natural gifts or through philanthropic support.
Private donations from Franklin University Switzerland alumni, friends, parents and others provide the margin of excellence at Franklin. Philanthropic support can help ensure the foundation for the school through enhanced infrastructure, buildings and learning environments. Additionally, private support through scholarships, professorships, library acquisitions, lab furnishings and the latest in technology helps improve the quality of a Franklin education. Private contributions make a difference by helping provide the support we need to maintain an international reputation of excellence.
There are numerous options for philanthropic support of the institution. See the following sections for additional information on the various giving options. Please contact the Office of Advancement with any questions about giving to Franklin.
Checks
For our American contributors, a check is one of the easiest and most commonly used ways of supporting Franklin University Switzerland. Make your check payable to Franklin University Switzerland and mail it to:
Franklin University Switzerland (Tax ID number 23-7075-717) Attn: Annual Giving The Chrysler Building 405 Lexington Ave. 26th Floor New York, NY 10174
Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs)
An EFT, or bank draft, is a convenient way to support Franklin University Switzerland. Most of our European supporters prefer to make their gifts in this way. For more information about transferring funds electronically, please email advancement@fus.edu.
Corporate Matching Gifts
Many corporations participate in matching the gifts of their employees. Some double or triple each dollar contributed. Your company’s human resource department can provide details and the matching gift form to include with your gift.
Stock Gifts
Gifts of appreciated investments can be a great way to support Franklin University Switzerland at a lower than cash cost. For example, ten years ago you purchased 100 shares of XYZ Corporation for 100 Swiss francs. With stock splits and reinvestment you now have 250 shares valued at 150 Swiss francs. You can transfer ownership of all or a portion of the shares and in most countries you will avoid having to pay taxes on the gains that were made. Your gift costs less than if you had given cash, and Franklin University Switzerland can sell the stock and apply the proceeds to the project of your choice. It is almost always to your advantage to transfer appreciated securities directly rather than selling them and donating cash. Check with a tax professional in your jurisdiction to verify tax treatment of your gift.
For more information on making stock gifts, please refer to the Stock Transfer Instructions.
Gifts in Kind
Works of art, rare books, antique furnishings and other tangible personal property can help support education and greatly enhance the quality of the Franklin University Switzerland experience. It is important to note that when gifts of this nature are given to Franklin, a gift receipt outlining a simple description of the gift will be provided. It is the responsibility of the donor to attribute and verify a valuation for the gift.
For more information on making gifts in kind, please contact: the Office of Advancement.
Gifts of Real Estate
Contributions of real estate such as a residence, vacation home, farm, ranch, commercial property or land to Franklin University Switzerland are accepted, subject to certain restrictions. Gifts of land can be given outright, as a gift of a remainder or future interest, or through a charitable trust agreement.
Usually, Franklin University Switzerland accepts gifts of real estate if no restrictions are placed on selling the property or if the property can be of direct or indirect use by the school. A donor can also transfer title of a personal residence to Franklin University Switzerland and retain the right to live in or use the property for life. After the death of the donor or the surviving spouse, the property transfers to Franklin University Switzerland. If the value of the property has declined since its original purchase, it would be better to sell the property for the reduced value and contribute the proceeds.
Another charitable property gift mechanism is the bargain sale in which the donor sells property to Franklin University Switzerland for less than its full fair market value and deducts the difference as a charitable contribution.
For more information on gifts of real estate, please contact: the Office of Advancement.
Endowments
Endowed gifts are designed to continue providing benefits for many years into the future. The gift is not spent immediately but instead is invested in a diversified portfolio of investments. Each year the account is evaluated and a portion of the earnings is used to fund particular programs or projects (for example, a scholarship) and the remaining portion of the earnings is added to the principal of the endowment. An endowment is a great way to link your legacy with our future forever.
For more information on endowments please contact the Office of Advancement.
Make a Pledge
By making a pledge, you can contribute to Franklin's future in a way that works for you. Pledges allow you to commit to giving a specific amount over time, providing flexibility while ensuring that Franklin continues to thrive. Pledge gifts support scholarships, infrastructure, and cutting-edge learning environments – making a lasting impact on students and faculty alike.
Ready to make your pledge? Simply download the form here, fill it out, and send it back to us. Your commitment will help us continue to provide a world-class education and maintain our reputation for excellence.
For questions, to discuss your pledge, or explore giving opportunities in more detail, we’d love to have a conversation with you. Please reach out to the Office of Advancement at advancement@fus.edu or give us a call.