FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the Triangle Education Foundation?
The Foundation is a charitable organization established by Triangle brothers for Triangle brothers. The Foundation provides a way to impact the Fraternity in a meaningful fashion. Gifts to the Foundation are used to improve each member, strengthen the chapters, and build a solid National Fraternity.
2. Are gifts to the Foundation tax-deductible?
YES! The Foundation is a 501 (c)3 public charity, as such, donations are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please contact your tax advisor concerning your individual circumstances. The Foundation's Tax Identification Number (TIN) is 23-7063427.
3. How can I donate to the Foundation?
Donations can be made in many forms. Cash, check and a credit card are the most common and simplest form. But the Foundation is also in a position to accept most other forms of gifts such as securities, appreciated property, and planned gift vehicles. For more information on which vehicle is best for you to make your gift please contact the Foundation at TEF@Triangle.org or by calling 317-837-9641.
4. Where should I send my donation?
Donations should be sent to: Triangle Education Foundation 120 South Center Street Plainfield, Indiana 46168
5. What credit cards does the Foundation accept?
The Foundation is able to accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.
6. How do I transfer gifts of appreciated securities?
Gifts of Securities can be transferred electronically. Please notify Scott Bova, President of the Foundation at the above address with the details so we may track incoming securities and acknowledge them properly. Specify the number of shares, the security name, and the name of your broker. Scott can also assist with transferring actual stock certificates. Stocks should be transferred to: Legal Name: Triangle Education Foundation Federal Taxpayer ID Number: 23-7063427 Mailing address: 120 S. Center Street, Plainfield, IN 46168 Brokerage account name: Triangle Education Foundation Brokerage account number: M3 42620 DTC number: 0221 Broker Information: Triangle Education Foundation c/o UBS Financial Service 100 Crescent Court, Suite 400 Dallas, TX 75201 ATTN: Matt Lasko | 214-965-6129 | matt.lasko@ubs.com
7. What is the Founders' Club?
The Founders’ Club is a recognition society for gifts to the Foundation’s Annual Fund. There are six levels: Bronze ($250+), Silver ($500+), Gold ($1,000+), Anniversary ($1,907), Platinum ($2,500+), Titanium ($5,000+), and Diamond ($10,000). Accumulated gifts made during the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) are applied to the donor’s status.
8. Is the Foundation eligible for my company's matching gift?
Many companies encourage their employees to contribute to worthy charities by matching their gifts. If your company has a matching gifts program, you can take advantage of this program by filling out the form you can obtain from the personnel office of your company. An important note-all matched gifts are credited to your own individual gift record and count toward membership in the Founders’ Club.
9. Where does my donation go?
Each gift made to the Foundation’s Annual Fund is used to fund the yearly operations and charitable activity. Donations are used to fund such programs as the Scobie Leadership School, the Rosenberg UIFI Scholarship Program, Member Education Forum, Leadership Advantage, and the Educational Leadership Consulting Program. Detailed financial statements are available by clicking below.
10. How much is spent each year on Fraternity programs?
Each year the Foundation awards over $100,000 in funds to the Fraternity to provide quality programming to each and every chapter. Current fraternity programs include: Herbert F. Scobie Leadership School On-site member education program Leadership Consultant program Rosenberg UIFI Scholarship program John Wakerly Service Learning program Member Education Forum Steven L. Miller President's Academy John & Melissa Gargani Academic U Judy & Larry Garatoni Building Better Men program
11. Does the Foundation provide financial aid?
Yes, each year the Foundation provides over $90,000 in financial aid in the form of endowed scholarships and interest-free student loans. Triangles interested in receiving a scholarship or student loan should click below for more details and an online application.
12. Does the Foundation provide grants directly to chapters?
Yes, based on the availability of funds the Foundation has provided grants to individual chapters for technology upgrades, educational purchases, and Leadership Advantage. In addition, the Foundation offers chapters the opportunity to build a Chapter Endowment Fund (CEF) for the exclusive use of their chapter. To find out more details about CEF's click below.
13. Why should I donate to the Foundation vs. my chapter?
Although your chapter is in need of your donation, the Foundation is designed to optimize your gift. It is the benefit of being part of a collective whole. The Foundation is able to pool the donations of all the brothers from many chapters and design the best, most cutting-edge programs available to your chapter. These programs benefit undergraduates from your chapter and strengthen it. Donations made directly would not have the same impact, nor are they tax-deductible.
14. Can I designate my gift to my chapter?
Although we prefer gifts to be unrestricted, there are opportunities available to specifically benefit your chapter. In some cases, other donors have already established Chapter Endowment Funds (CEFs) for only the benefit of the designated chapter. If the fund has already been established, donors may direct their gift to that fund. If a fund has not yet been established a donor may establish one with an initial gift of $25,000 or a three-year pledge of $25,000. Chapter educational accounts may also be established by planned gift. Click below for more information.
15. How can I learn more about the Foundation?
The Foundation's professional staff are available to answer your questions. They can be reached at (317) 837-9641 or via email at TEF@triangle.org. You can also click below for a complete listing of Foundation staff.
16. How are Foundation assets invested?
The Foundation has established an endowment to insure the perpetual health of Triangle. These funds are then invested into the stock market, bonds, and money market accounts. The money generated from these investments is used to make grants to the Fraternity, to fund the operations of the Foundation and the extra funds are put into more investments.
17. Can I remember the Foundation in my will or estate plans?
YES! Many Triangles have remembered Triangle in their estate plans. A bequest is an excellent way to make a lasting gift to the Foundation to endow a scholarship, benefit your chapter or allow the Foundation to continue valuable educational programs. Find out more information by clicking below.
18. Who runs the Foundation?
The Foundation’s day-to-day operations are run by a professional staff out of the Plainfield, Indiana Headquarters. A volunteer Board of Directors made up of a diverse group of successful Triangle Brothers governs the Foundation.