Background for the Corporate Donation Program

Table of Contents
Foundation Background
Program Mission
Reasons Corporations Make Donations
Categories of Donations
Public Support for the Program
Sources of Revenue for the Corporate Program
Sources of Donated Equipment

FOUNDATION BACKGROUND. The Wisconsin Technical College System Foundation, Inc. (Foundation), is a Non-Stock Wisconsin Corporation, recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit tax exempt public charity. The IRS Code contains sections (170) which provide the basis for income tax deductions allowable to organizations that donate non-cash (equipment, materials, products) gifts to public charities.

The Foundation is recognized by the IRS as an organization that is qualified to receive tax exempt gifts. Donors to the Foundation are able to claim a tax exemption that reflects the value of the donation, subject to applicable IRS rules and regulations. The Foundation can not establish the value of gifts (donations). The Foundation was organized in 1977 to support the statewide Wisconsin Technical College System.  Return to Top

PROGRAM MISSION. The mission of the Corporate Donation Program (Program) is to serve and assist the Wisconsin Technical Colleges (Colleges) in acquiring quality equipment and materials from Corporate donations. The equipment and materials acquired through the Program are needed to enhance instructional offerings and to help to create a well trained and productive workforce.   Return to Top

REASONS WHY CORPORATIONS MAKE DONATIONS. Corporate gifts are given to the Foundation for transfer to the Colleges. Wisconsin businesses know that training provided by the sixteen Colleges and their forty-six campuses give their employees the ability to excel and be productive. The Colleges customized instruction is designed to sharpen technical, production, and management skills for the specific needs of the corporation. Instruction is provided on-site or on-campus. Corporations donate to the Foundation in order to support the colleges and also to benefit the corporation. The benefits to a corporation as a result of making a donation to the Foundation may include the following:

• Donations may provide a tax deduction.
• The public and press will recognize a model corporate citizen.
• Corporations want their future workers trained on their products.
• Students trained on a corporation’s donated products will want to purchase the corporation’s products for use at their new jobs.
• Corporations are able to dispose of unneeded property at low cost.
• Corporations can avoid liquidation problems and free-up corporate warehouse space.
• Donations can be shared system wide or directed to a single campus.
• Donation services are scheduled to meet the corporation’s timetable.   Return to Top

CATEGORIES OF DONATIONS. The donations from corporations include new product, excess inventory, inventory over-runs, returned products, raw materials, production equipment, heavy equipment, machinery, tooling, office furniture, office equipment and supplies, maintenance equipment and supplies, computers, laboratory equipment and supplies, and medical equipment. Corporations have also donated land and buildings. The Program can also utilize cash gifts in order to help acquire and distribute the donated equipment.  Return to Top

PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE PROGRAM. The Program has received public support and recognition from Wisconsin’s leaders.

Former Governor Tommy G. Thompson commented on the close cooperation between a major donor corporation and the Colleges, "This is the type of partnership that keeps Wisconsin workers at the top of their game in ability to acquire new skills and to enhance productivity. The generous gift means students enrolled in high tech electronics and manufacturing courses at technical colleges throughout Wisconsin get to learn on the latest in rapidly evolving technology."

Jim Haney, President, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce indicated his support for the Program, "Wisconsin Manufacturer’s & Commerce members can help the Technical Colleges educate Wisconsin’s workforce with donations of equipment, materials and product."

Corporate leader, Keith Nosbusch, Chairman & CEO, Rockwell Automation, following a major donation of new products to the Program stated, "It is sound business practice for Rockwell Automation to donate equipment to the Technical Colleges...The donations meet our self-interest because Technical College students are trained on Rockwell Automation equipment."

Dr. John Clark, President of Mid-State Technical College, responded to a corporate donation Mid-State received through the Program, "Through the Corporate Donation Program, Technical Colleges gain tremendous benefits for students and faculty from the training provided and received on donated equipment.  The practice of equipment and material donations from business and industry demonstrates an exemplary commitment to Wisconsin communities."  Return to Top

SOURCES OF REVENUE FOR THE CORPORATE PROGRAM. Revenue to operate the Program comes from several sources; (1) College annual participation fees, (2) donations from corporate sponsors, and (3) miscellaneous income.  Return to Top

SOURCES OF DONATED EQUIPMENT. The major source of equipment acquired by the program is as a result of gifts from Wisconsin corporations. Equipment and materials are also given by non-Wisconsin corporations. Donations are occasionally given by individuals. The Foundation has received in excess of $25,000,000 (corporate valuation) in equipment, materials, and new products from over 100 corporations. Individuals and organizations interested in the Program may call toll-free at 1-800-322-1354.  Return to Top