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WSU Foundation

No matter how you choose to support the university, whether it be through student scholarships, funding new initiatives, or leaving a legacy, your generosity truly makes a difference for Winona State University students.

Make a Gift
Empower Students, Improve Our World

As the WSU Foundation team, it is our mission to raise general and restricted funds, steward them for good, and distribute them in ways that collaboratively support Winona State University. 

We serve as a University advocate while recognizing those who give for their generosity and dedication to WSU. 

$2 Million

Awarded in student scholarships every year

$2 Million

Awarded in other support to WSU

Ways to Give
There are many ways to make an impact at WSU.

Whether you make a gift of cash, appreciated stock, or through gift planning, we’ll be here to guide you so your generosity will make the biggest impact in the lives of WSU students that it can.

Students pose by the WSU letter holding signs that spell out
Make a Difference
Estate Gifts & Planned Giving

Your planned gift of any size has a significant impact on Winona State University.

Planned Giving allows you to support our students and programs far into the future while also providing financial benefits for you and your family.

Matching Gifts

Double the impact of your gift to the WSU Foundation.

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs for charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees.

Some companies even match gifts made by retirees and spouses.

IRA Charitable Rollover

You may be looking for a way to make a big difference to help further our mission.

If you are 70½ or older, you may also be interested in a way to lower the income and taxes from your IRA withdrawals.

Learn more about IRA Charitable Rollover options for a planned gift.

Gifts of Cash

Most gifts made to WSU come in the form of “cash”, via check or credit card.

A gift of cash entitles you to the most generous federal income tax deduction available for charitable contributions.

You may deduct up to 50% of your adjusted gross income for gifts of cash. You may carry any amount of that figure forward for up to 5 additional years.

Gifts of Stock

A gift of appreciated securities that you have held for more than one year is frequently the most economical way to give.

You’ll be eligible to take a federal income tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift and will not have to recognize the appreciation as capital gain.

Learn more about stock transfer options for a planned gift.

Make a Gift

All gifts– small or large– add up to make a powerful impact on our students and university. We greatly appreciate your generosity!

Credit card donations can be made online. For donations by check or electronic funds transfer, mail a Gift Form to the WSU Foundation.

Current Initiatives

The Foundation is focused on initiatives to meet the changing needs of our students, faculty, and staff. These are the major fundraising projects we are working toward.

Consider giving to one of these areas or a WSU crowdfunding campaign.

Scholarships
Scholarships

Nearly 60% of WSU students qualify for financial assistance.

Starting a scholarship helps make a higher education possible for students hoping to earn a degree at Winona State.

Start a Scholarship
All-U Campaign
All-U Campaign

The annual All-University Campaign invites employee and retiree drive to provide direct support for student scholarships, special projects, and innovative cultural and academic programs across campus.

Learn More
Grants & Special Projects
The purpose of the WSU Foundation is to raise funds, but also distribute those funds in ways that benefit the WSU community. 

Through this, we carry out our commitment to helping students, faculty and staff achieve their academic and professional goals. 

The Foundation awards Special Project grants to WSU faculty and staff each spring. 

A group of students talk to a presenter at a campus event.
Donor Recognition

Learn how your gifts to the WSU Foundation make a difference for our students and our campus.

We also recognize our generous donors in several different giving societies.

Contact the WSU Foundation
WSU Foundation
Somsen Hall 204

PO Box 5838
Winona, MN 55987

507.457.5020

Email the Foundation Office
Phil Sonnenberg
Director of University Advancement Finance, WSU Foundation Controller

507.457.5518

Email Phil Sonnenberg