Quick FAQs
- The Telefund Office consists of about 50 student callers who contact over 80,000 Boston University alumni, friends, and parents
- Telefund Campaign Associates or TCAs are current students from the different schools and colleges within the university.
- TCAs call on behalf of the Annual Fund which benefits the 22 different Boston University schools and colleges.
- The Annual Fund helps students and programs, making amenities such scholarships, computers, and other classroom equipment readily available.
- You can ask a TCA questions and receive updates on what is happening on campus or if there are any upcoming events in your area
- TCAs can also update your phone number, home, business and email addresses guaranteeing Boston University’s information is correct
FAQs
What is the Annual Fund?
Where does the money go?
Whom do you contact?
Why might I get called twice?
Why do you conduct a telephone campaign?
Where is the Telefund call center located?
Are Telefund callers really students at the University?
When do you call?
Is my gift tax-deductible?
May I use my credit card?
Can I give to Athletics/Terrier Pride through the Telefund?
May I choose where I want my gift to go?
May I call you back?
Will my company match my gift?
How does this work, exactly, if I want to make a gift?
Can my son or daughter work for Telefund?
What is the Annual Fund?
Each school and college at Boston University depends on gifts to its annual fund. Deans use these important resources to support teaching, research, and scholarship priorities. Solicitations are made via the telephone, direct mail, and the internet.
Where does the money go?
To support academic programs exclusively: scholarships, graduate fellowships, library resources, computer upgrades, program enhancements, chairs, professorships, and research that directly benefit the faculty and students here on campus. 100% of your gift goes to wherever you wish. No donated money is used for salaries or administrative costs.
Whom do you contact?
Alumni (including non-degree-holding alumni), friends, parents of current and former undergraduates, retirees, and the senior class.
Why might I get called twice?
Typically all alumni should only receive one call from Telefund to support their school or college’s annual fund. Occasionally, you will receive a second call if both you and your spouse or significant other are alumni, or if you are a parent of a current or former student, or if your child is a graduate of BU and still living at home according to our records.
Why do you conduct a telephone campaign?
We are a private institution. We do not receive state funding, so we rely on personal gifts from individuals like you. We find that a quick friendly telephone call from a current student is a pleasant way for you to stay connected to the University, and for the student to be able to explain opportunities to support academic programs.
Where is Telefund located?
The Telefund Office is located at 1 Sherborn Street on the 7th Floor, Boston,
MA 02215. You may reach us directly at 617-358-1199.
Are the Telefund callers really students at the University?
Yes. We employ 50-60 students throughout the year who represent a variety of majors, cities, states and countries.
When do you call?
Our normal hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 6:00pm-9:00pm, and Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm & 4:30pm-7:30pm during the spring, fall and summer semesters. The Telefund complies with all applicable state and federal regulations.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes, your gift is 100% tax-deductible. Once we receive your gift, you will
receive a receipt verifying that your gift has been deposited into the account
you have specified.
May I use my credit card?
Yes, we encourage you to make your gift by using your VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or debit card when on the phone with a Telefund caller. This is a secure way to make sure your gift benefits BU students right away. (All information is encrypted for your safety.) You help us save postage and paper costs. You may also fulfill your gift online by using your credit card at www.bu.edu/telefund/give.
Can I give to Athletics/Terrier Pride through the Telefund?
Yes. We make annual calls for the different BU athletic teams. You can specify which sport team you would like to support by telling the student caller.
May I choose where I want my gift to go?
Yes. While unrestricted funds are always needed to support a wide variety of programs at BU, many alumni choose to designate a gift to any department, college, scholarship fund, or other academic program at the University.
May I call you back?
The Telefund callers use a state-of-the-art automated computer system to contact
you. These stations do not accept incoming calls. You may call the Telefund
Office at 617-358-1199 or call toll free at 1-800-447-2849 with your questions
or concerns, Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. EST.
Will my company match my gift?
Very possibly! Hundreds of companies will match a gift by an employee. This can double or even triple your gift to Boston University. Visit our matching gift website at http://www.bu.edu/alumni/giving/matching or contact your Human Resources Office for details. Note: Spouses of employees, retired employees, and board members are often eligible for the match as well.
How do I make a gift over the phone?
It’s easy! Simply tell the student how much you would like to pledge and then give the student your credit card information. You will receive a letter and receipt for tax purposes. If you would rather pay by check we will send you a letter of appreciation along with a pledge card for the amount you specified over the phone. An envelope will be provided for you to return your gift. It’s that simple!
How does this work, exactly, if I want to make a gift?
If you would like to make a gift over the phone, let the caller know where you would like your gift to go towards. Then you can use your credit card immediately over the phone. Your credit card is approved while you are on the phone.
Can my son or daughter work for Telefund?
Absolutely. If your son or daughter is a full time undergraduate student at Boston University they can fill out our online application.