How We Help
Whether you have just started thinking about a gift or are ready to finalize the details, FAR offers personalized, expert guidance every step of the way. We help you turn your values into lasting impact, with recommendations tailored to your goals and what is possible in today’s higher education landscape.
A Simple Path to Meaningful Giving
Share Your Vision
It all begins with a conversation.
Tell us what inspires you: your values, your goals, and the difference you hope to make. Whether you are passionate about expanding access, driving innovation, advancing research, or supporting academic excellence, we listen carefully and help shape your vision into a clear philanthropic purpose.
Get Expert Guidance
Strategic advice to make your giving more effective.
You will receive a customized memo outlining giving options that align with your priorities, maximize long-term impact, and achieving the full potential of what higher education can offer. FAR will stand by to answer questions as you draft your gift agreement. When you are ready, we will also review your agreement and recommend language to ensure your intent is clearly protected.
Create Lasting Impact
A personalized plan to ensure your values live on.
Together, we will create a giving plan that supports the causes you care about, honors your wishes, and builds a legacy that advances knowledge, opportunity, and excellence in higher education for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your funding structure?
FAR is a project of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), and we do not charge a fee for our guidance. Our support is freely offered to help donors make informed, effective gifts. If you find our assistance valuable, a contribution to ACTA is always appreciated but never expected.
What if I have already made a gift but have concerns about how it is being used?
You are not alone, and yes, we can help. If you are unsure whether your gift is being used as intended, we can review the details with you, provide guidance on donor rights, and help you explore options to clarify or reinforce your original intent with the institution.
Can I talk to someone even if I am not sure what kind of gift I want to make?
Absolutely. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Many of our conversations begin with just an idea or a question. We will help you think through what matters most to you and what is possible within higher education philanthropy with no pressure and no commitment.
How does FAR’s guidance fit into my work with the university’s advancement office?
Our role is to support you. We work alongside institutional partners to ensure your gift is structured effectively and reflects your intentions. Think of us as your advocate and sounding board, helping you navigate the giving process with confidence and clarity.
How We Help
Whether you are just beginning to brainstorm or about to sign the check, FAR offers individualized guidance to help you clarify your vision and protect your intent.
Based on your specific needs, FAR can help you:
- Develop a statement of intent
- Identify high-quality programs to support
- Connect with our network of on-campus contacts
- Craft a robust gift agreement
- Ensure campus officials fully understand your goals
- Evaluate your gift’s impact
Thanks to the generosity of the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation, we offer our services, including legal consultation from Arnold & Porter LLP, at no cost to donors.
Since 2016, FAR has assisted philanthropists with higher education gifts totaling nearly $200 million. This support is having a transformative impact on college campuses across the country—creating new learning opportunities for students, strengthening academic standards, promoting intellectual diversity, and protecting the free expression of ideas.
Giving well is complicated, but the first step is simple: Start a conversation with the Fund for Academic Renewal (FAR).
Make Every Dollar Count
Giving to higher education is an opportunity to create lasting impact. With so many options, how do you ensure your gift aligns with your values and goals?
Download our Intelligent Donor’s Guide to navigate the complexities of college giving with confidence and strategy.
