State and Corporate Gift Matching
The Florida Legislature enacted the Major Gift Challenge Program to encourage partnerships between the private sector and state universities. This program matches private endowment gifts, as funds allow, supporting libraries, instruction, and research programs as defined by rule of the Florida Board of Governors. Gifts are matched based on the following percentages:
| Gift Amount | Match Percentage |
|---|---|
| $100,000 to $599,999 | 50% |
| $600,000 to $1,000,000 | 70% |
| $1,000,001 to $1,500,000 | 75% |
| $1,500,001 to $2,000,000 | 80% |
| $2,000,001 or more | 100% |
The Legislature has traditionally appropriated a limited amount of funds, varying annually, to be held in trust for matching private contributions that are given for approved purposes. Once a gift has been received, the university applies for matching funds. Investment income that is distributed from the total endowment supports in perpetuity the scholarly activities outlined in an agreement with the donor. The program is subject to the financial resources available to the state; therefore matching gift requests are placed into a queue by the date of the request and are paid as funds may permit.