Campaign FAQ

"Where Dreams Take Flight" is California Lutheran University's comprehensive fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $25 million over 36 months (June 2025 - May 2028). This is more than a fundraising effort—it's about focusing our collective energy on what matters most right now: nurturing faith and community, expanding access through scholarships, and providing world-class facilities.

This campaign addresses the spiritual, intellectual, and physical dimensions of student development, ensuring Cal Lutheran continues to be a place where students thrive and purpose and possibility meet.

Founded in 1959, California Lutheran University is a private liberal arts institution based in Thousand Oaks, California.

The mission of the university is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice.

Cal Lutheran attracts over 3,100 undergraduate and graduate students with a variety of backgrounds, cultures and faiths from 40 U.S. states and 67 countries around the world, many of whom are first-generation college students.

As a member of the Network of ELCA College and Universities, we are part of a 500-year-old Lutheran intellectual tradition that is dedicated to the freedom of inquiry and the development of the whole person, where students are educated for a sense of calling or vocation, opening the path toward a meaningful life of contribution to the common good through whatever career they choose.

The campaign focuses on three transformational priorities that reflect who we are as a university:

• Chapel Renovation ($3M): Where Faith, Music, and Community Meet: Since 1991, Samuelson Chapel has been central to Cal Lutheran—a space where faith is practiced, questions are welcomed, and reflection is encouraged. It's also home to the arts, hosting professional vocal ensembles and concerts that invite the wider community onto campus. After three decades, water damage threatens this space. This investment restores the chapel as both rooted and open—a place of faith, artistic expression, and belonging for generations to come.
• Student Scholarships ($12M): Pathways to Purpose: With 97% of our students relying on financial aid, scholarships often determine whether a student can stay enrolled and complete their degree. Nearly half our students are first-generation college students. Scholarships ease financial pressure so students can fully engage in learning, leadership, and service—investments in driven, resilient students as they discover their purpose and prepare to contribute meaningfully.
• Track & Field Facility ($10M): The final piece of our Division III athletics vision. A state-of-the-art venue that completes 25+ years of building one of the West Coast's strongest programs, positions us as a potential 2028 Olympics training site, and serves as a unifying hub for students, alumni, and Ventura County.

We must raise $6 million for the Track & Field facility by June 30, 2026 to secure groundbreaking approval. This urgent deadline is driven by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics timeline—we have the potential to serve as an Olympic training site, but only if we break ground on schedule.

This is the final piece of our Division III athletics vision after 25+ years of building one of the strongest programs on the West Coast. Modern, world-class facilities send a message to our student-athletes: you matter, your dedication is valued, and we are committed to your excellence.

The campaign goal is $25 million over a 36‑month period, beginning June 1, 2025, and concluding May 31, 2028. The campaign is being implemented in phases, beginning with leadership and major gifts, followed by broader engagement of alumni, parents, friends, and community partners.

Your gift creates immediate and lasting impact across the spiritual, intellectual, and physical dimensions of student development:

• Chapel: Investment in the heart soul of our university—a place where students discover their calling, find solace in difficult times, experience transformative artistic performances, and celebrate milestones. It nurtures the character development and ethical grounding that are hallmarks of Cal Lutheran education.
• Scholarships: Scholarships break down financial barriers and create opportunities for talented students to reach their full potential. They’re more than aid—they’re investments in future leaders, innovators, and changemakers prepared to make an impact from day one.
• Track & Field: Provides world-class training facilities that support holistic education—developing mind, body, and character through athletic competition, teamwork, and personal discipline. Creates a legacy facility serving our region for decades and potentially hosting 2028 Olympic athletes.

There are multiple ways to contribute:

• Online: Visit our secure giving website at callutheran.edu/give
• Phone: Contact the Office of Advancement at (805) 493-3690
• Mail: Send checks to CLU Office of Advancement, 60 W. Olsen Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
• In Person: Visit the Advancement Office to discuss your gift
• Wire Transfer or Stock: Contact us for instructions

Yes! Multi-year pledges are welcomed and encouraged. You can spread your total commitment over 3-5 years, making larger gifts more manageable. For example, a $25,000 gift can be pledged at $5,000 per year over five years.

Pledge Benefits:

• Full pledge amount counts toward campaign totals immediately
• Flexible payment schedules (monthly, quarterly, annually)
• Recognition at your total pledge level
• Reminder notices help you stay on track

We accept various forms of charitable contributions:

• Cash: Check, credit card, wire transfer, or cash
• Securities: Appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds
• Real Estate: Residential or commercial property
• Retirement Assets: IRA charitable rollover (for donors 70½+)
• Life Insurance: Paid-up policies or new policies
• In-Kind Gifts: Equipment or materials (subject to approval)
• Planned Gifts: Bequests, trusts, and other deferred gifts

Yes! Naming opportunities are available at various giving levels for all three campaign priorities. These include facility naming, rooms, endowed scholarships, and recognition spaces. Contact the Office of Advancement at (805) 493-3690 to discuss specific opportunities that align with your philanthropic goals.

Absolutely! You may designate your gift to Track & Field, Student Scholarships, Chapel Renovation, or split your contribution among priorities. We honor all donor designations and ensure your gift supports your chosen area.

Yes! California Lutheran University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. You will receive a tax receipt for all contributions. We recommend consulting with your tax advisor regarding your specific situation.

The following count toward our $25 million goal:

• Outright gifts and pledge payments received during the campaign period (June 2025 - May 2028)
• Written pledges made during the campaign (payable within 3-5 years)
• Irrevocable planned gifts (at both face value and discounted present value)
• Revocable planned gifts that are documented (reported separately)
• Certain approved in-kind gifts directly related to campaign priorities

Pledges are counted at their full value when made, regardless of the payment schedule. For example, if you pledge $50,000 payable over five years, the full $50,000 counts toward campaign totals immediately upon commitment.

Requirements:

• Written documentation with specific dollar amount
• Fixed payment schedule
• Signed pledge agreement

In-kind gifts may count if they meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Directly related to a campaign priority
• CLU would have otherwise purchased the item
• Pre-approved by the Vice President for Advancement
• Fair market value is properly documented

For example, track timing equipment and construction materials for the Track & Field facility may count if properly approved. General items like office supplies do not count, even if donated for campaign projects.

We honor our donors through various recognition opportunities:

• Donor societies based on cumulative giving levels
• Campaign publications and online
• Named spaces and facilities (for major gifts)
• Special events and stewardship opportunities

You may choose to remain anonymous if you prefer. All gifts, regardless of size, are valued and appreciated.

Corporate sponsorships count if they qualify as charitable gifts rather than advertising exchanges. To qualify:

• Recognition must not constitute competitive advertising (per IRS guidelines)
• Simple name or logo placement is acceptable
• No pricing information or product advertising
• Not contingent on event attendance or ratings

We work with corporate partners to structure gifts appropriately for tax benefits and campaign counting.

Planned giving allows you to include Cal Lutheran in your estate or financial plans, creating a lasting legacy that empowers students, strengthens community, and supports the priorities you care about most. Depending on the gift type and your circumstances, planned giving may also offer potential tax benefits for you and your heirs.

There are several meaningful ways to include California Lutheran University in your long-term plans. Planned gifts generally fall into two categories:

Irrevocable Gifts (counted at face and present value):

• Charitable Annuity Trusts

Revocable Gifts (counted at face value and reported separately):

• Bequests: Include CLU in your will or trust
• Beneficiary Designations: Name CLU as beneficiary of retirement account or life insurance policy
• Revocable Trusts: Maintain flexibility while planning for the future

Yes! If you're 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to CLU:

• Transfer up to $100,000 per year tax-free
• Satisfies your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
• Reduces your taxable income
• Counts toward campaign totals

Contact your IRA custodian to arrange a direct transfer to California Lutheran University.

Irrevocable Gifts: Irrevocable deferred gifts may be included in campaign totals at face value, but both current face and discounted present values should be reported. 

Revocable Gifts: Counted at face value if pledged during the campaign, properly documented, and reported separately from outright and irrevocable gifts. Age requirements may apply for inclusion.

Example: A 65-year-old donor creates a charitable remainder trust with $500,000. The face value ($500,000) and present value (calculated using IRS tables) both count toward campaign totals, reported in the irrevocable category.

Revocable gifts (like bequests) can be changed at any time since you retain control. If you need to modify or cancel, simply update your estate documents.

Irrevocable gifts cannot be changed, which is why they receive favorable tax treatment and full campaign credit.

We understand life circumstances change. Please communicate with us if your situation evolves so we can update our records and explore alternative ways you might support CLU.

Planned gifts often provide significant tax advantages:

• Income tax deductions: Immediate deduction for present value of irrevocable gifts
• Capital gains tax avoidance: Donate appreciated assets without paying gains
• Estate tax reduction: Charitable bequests reduce taxable estate
• Income generation: Some vehicles provide lifetime income streams

Tax benefits vary by gift type and individual circumstances. We strongly recommend consulting with your tax and legal advisors to determine the best strategy for your situation.

Step 1: Contact our Office of Advancement at (805) 493-3161 to discuss your goals and explore options 

Step 2: Review our planned giving resources and sample bequest language

Step 3: Consult with your financial, tax, and legal advisors

Step 4: Execute your planned gift documents

Step 5: Notify CLU of your planned gift so we can recognize and thank you

Our advancement team is here to work with you and your advisors at every step. All conversations are confidential and there's no obligation.

Contact the Office of Advancement to learn more about volunteer opportunities that match your interests and availability.

Campaign Ambassadors serve as the campaign's frontline advocates:

• Share the campaign story within your personal networks
• Make personal appeals to friends and colleagues
• Attend campaign events and bring guests
• Host small gatherings to introduce others to CLU
• Participate in giving days and special initiatives
• Welcome new donors and thank existing supporters

Time Commitment: 2-3 activities annually, plus semi-annual meetings

Support Provided: Training, materials, templates, one-on-one coaching

Recognition: Annual appreciation event, campaign pin, exclusive updates

Yes! We encourage supporters to host small gatherings (house parties, coffee meetups, virtual events) to share the campaign with friends and colleagues. We'll provide:

• Campaign presentation materials
• University representative or student speaker (when available)
• Digital assets and printed materials
• Follow-up support for interested guests

Contact the Alumni Relations office to coordinate your event.

Stay connected with campaign news and milestones:

• Visit our campaign website for real-time progress updates: takeflight.callutheran.edu
• Subscribe to our email newsletter for monthly updates
• Follow CLU on social media for campaign stories and celebrations
• Read impact stories in CLU Magazine
• Attend campaign events and celebrations

Office of Advancement
Phone: 805-493-3160
Email: development@callutheran.edu 

Office Hours: 
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PT

Mail: 
California Lutheran University
Office of Advancement
60 W. Olsen Road, #3700
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360