How does the Challenge impact student organizations?

Student organizations are positively impacted very soon after the Challenge, since student-designated funds from John Nannes' grant are distributed in the same year. Here are the top recipients from the 2007-2008 Challenge (as designated by members of the class of 2008) and the total designated for each organization:

1. Student Funded Fellowships (SFF): $6,855

2. Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA): $4,475

3. Federalist Society:  $3,755

4. Law School Fund: $3,340

5. Black Law Students Alliance (BLSA): $2,750

6. Outlaws: $2,200

7. Journal of Law Reform: $2,035

8. Environmental Legal Society (ELS):  $1,675

9. Business Law Association (BLA):  $1,635

10. Native American Law Students Association (NALSA):  $1,525

When do I begin paying off my pledge, and how do I make payments?

You pay nothing at the time you pledge. By completing a pledge card, you agree to contribute a gift to the Law School Fund in every fiscal year for the first three years after graduation. Since the University's fiscal year (and therefore the Law School's) runs July 1 - June 30, you would make your first payment any time between July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009. The Law School's Office of Development & Alumni Relations will send reminders in November and May. 

How to make your pledge payment

Are gifts to the Law School Fund tax-deductible?

Your gift may provide you with federal and state income tax benefits:

• If you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return, you may be able to deduct your contribution to the Law School from your adjusted gross income.
   
• Your state may also allow a credit or deduction. For example, Michigan residents may take a credit against state tax of 50 cents for each dollar of their gift to the Law School, with a maximum tax credit of $100 for taxpayers filing singly or $200 on a joint return.

Do employers match gift to the Law School?

Some employers match gifts. Check with the personnel office at your workplace to see if there is a matching plan. Then obtain the matching gift form and submit it with your gift. Matching gifts will be included in individual gift totals and will be recognized accordingly.

Why should I give to the Law School Fund through the Third-Year Challenge (and after I graduate)?

• Your degree becomes more valuable: Giving enhances the value of your degree by maintaining the long-term quality of a Michigan Law education.
   
• You help keep the Law School strong: As a participant in the Third-Year Challenge, you help generate matching funds that go directly to student organizations. As an alumnus or alumna, your gift to the Law School Fund helps support many important initiatives including the Law School's international programs, the Legal Practice Program, need-based financial aid, student competitions - and yes, student organizations.
   
• You help offset the continued decline in state funding: State funding has declined to less than 3% of the Law School's annual expenses. That means Michigan Law relies on private gifts to attract and retain top-tier faculty; provide financial aid to students; and develop and maintain programs that sustain the Law School's stature as a world-class legal educator. By giving to the Law School Fund, you help fund not only day-to-day operations, but also the Law School's growth and expansion.