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Why Scholarships Are Important


Scholarships at Fordham Law School are made possible by alumni and friends who give back to the law school they love by endowing scholarships for the next generation. These benefactors know the power of a Fordham Law education and believe in the promise of our students. They understand that a Fordham-trained lawyer is the future not only of our school, but also of the law itself. Their magnanimity is inspiring and matched only by our students' sense of pride and purpose.

These students will become superb lawyers who exemplify the finest values of the legal profession. Please consider establishing a scholarship that will help ease the financial strain of ever-rising expenses for a legal education. The student recipients who benefit will contribute powerfully to both the legal profession and our society.

Establishing a Scholarship
Creating a scholarship is one way you can assist students and leave a legacy at Fordham Law School. It's also a very meaningful way to honor family and friends.  
Follow these steps to establish a scholarship at FLS: 
1. Determine Type of Scholarship Fund--current-use or endowed 
2. Establish Scholarship Criteria--who will you name it for, who would you like to benefit from your gift (the more general, the better)
3. Contact Karen Deasy at 212-636-7438 or via e-mail at kdeasy@law.fordham.edu.
3. Stay Informed of Scholarship Fund Administration

1. Determine Type of Scholarship Fund 
The first step is to determine whether you would like to establish an endowed scholarship or an annual scholarship. Endowed Scholarships are designed to be permanent and can be created with gifts totaling a minimum of $100,000. This can be fulfilled immediately or over five years until the endowment level of $100,000 is attained. The contributions will be added to the Fordham University pooled investment fund and will share on a pro-rata basis in the earnings from the investment of the funds. The principal of the fund is invested to produce income, and an annual award (around 5%) is made to a student/s. The principal remains untouched, so the endowment can last into perpetuity. Annual Scholarships are created by alumni who want to have an immediate impact on one student over the course of their education. This three-year commitment of $15,000 annually will asssit the School in attaining and retaining the best students. It will assist Fordham Law in remaining a top law school and assist our students in building a stronger network and more skills for business. One hundred percent of the donor gifts are awarded to a deserving Fordham Law School student each year.

2.  Establish Scholarship Criteria
As a scholarship donor, you choose the name of the scholarship as well as the criteria. The Office of Development is available to help you create the criteria for your scholarship. Endowed and annual scholarships at Fordham Law are awarded to deserving students based upon merit, financial need, academic achievement, and/or other criteria. The Law School must agree to any special award conditions established by the donor. 

3.  Stay Informed of Scholarship Fund Administration
Typically, admissions and financial aid professionals carefully review the scholarship applications submitted by students and select the most deserving recipient(s) based on the donor-established criteria. Major contributors of a scholarship fund are notified annually when the scholarship recipient(s) has been selected and are informed of the recipient(s), as well as the amount of the award. Recipients write a thank-you note to the donor and will have an opportunity to meet at the annual Scholarship Reception.

Tax Benefits
An outright gift in the form of cash or appreciated securities will allow you to receive immediate tax benefits in the year you make the gift to Fordham Law. In the case of appreciated securities, you may also avoid capital gains taxes. 
You can also provide for your scholarship in your estate plans. Estate gifts are an easy way to establish a scholarship without affecting your current income or assets.