Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LSU Foundation?
The LSU Foundation is LSU's primary academic fundraising support organization. The LSU Foundation cultivates and invests in philanthropic partnerships that advance LSU's priorities.
Are the LSU Foundation and the LSU Alumni Association the same?
The LSU Foundation and the LSU Alumni Association are separate LSU support organizations that work together. The Alumni Association focuses on helping alumni maintain close ties with the university; the LSU Foundation focuses on providing academic support for LSU through philanthropy.
How do I give to the LSU Foundation?
On every page of this website there is a banner with a "Give Now" button. Click that button to visit our online giving page. Alternately, you can call our office at 225-578-3811 or 1-800-452-7928 and ask about giving to your favorite academic unit here at LSU, or you can mail a gift to LSU Foundation, 3796 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802.
Can I choose what my gift supports?
Yes! We are, first and foremost, a donor-centric nonprofit. You can choose from hundreds of funds supporting the areas at LSU that are most important to you. Your gifts support excellence through unrestricted, flexible spending, as well as scholarships, facility upgrades, internships, faculty research, community outreach and so much more.
What is an endowment?
An endowment is a charitable gift that is invested and managed in a way that allows it, over time, to provide an income stream to the beneficiary while maintaining the gift's purchasing power in perpetuity.
What is the LSU Foundation’s IRS classification and federal tax I.D.?
The LSU Foundation is classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 charitable organization, which means your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are also eligible to receive donations from donor advised funds. Our federal tax I.D. is 72-6020969.
Are there other ways besides monetary giving to help LSU?
LSU always welcomes alumni’s and friends’ engagement and volunteerism. We are happy to connect you with opportunities to mentor or hire current LSU students, or to help recruit prospective students. All Tigers can showcase their love for LSU by sharing the university’s good news, accolades and achievements.
What was the Forever LSU Campaign?
The Forever LSU Campaign launched June 19, 2006, as a joint effort of LSU, the LSU Foundation, the LSU Alumni Association and the Tiger Athletic Foundation. In a historic show of generosity, more than 60,000 LSU alumni, friends and corporations united to surpass the Forever LSU campaign’s $750 million goal. By its conclusion on Dec. 31, 2010, donors had contributed $764 million to Forever LSU, and an additional $34 million in state-matching funds brought the total to $798 million.
Forever LSU strengthened the university’s endowment for scholarships, fellowships and financial aid; funded programs that enrich student life; endowed chairs and professorships; modernized research facilities and equipped laboratories; enhanced existing programs; and initiated and supported new academic opportunities on campus and in locations worldwide. These advancements allow LSU to attract and retain outstanding students, professors and researchers and to contribute significantly to the learning and economic environments. Additionally, they have played a key role in LSU’s ascension into the top tier of several national rankings.