Why this scholarship?
You want to donate because you're a generous, considerate person...or you're looking for a tax deduction. You want to donate to this scholarship because it is going to be used to help someone further their education and because unlike other fundraisers where someone drops you an email or shows up at your door an expects a donation, I'm going to go to another country and ride up a mountain for you. I'm going to earn your donation.

Why the Tour de France?
I chose the TDF for two reasons. First, I've followed the TDF since I was a teenager and always wondered what it would take to ride it. While this isn't actually participating in the Tour, this is as close as I will likely get. Second, it was the most difficult official-access ride I could find.

Are you actually riding in the Tour de France?
No; I'm not a professional rider competing in the TDF. However, I will be riding Stage 14 on the same day as the pros. The roads will be closed off and the crowds will be out. I'll have vehicle support just like the pros for the entire ride and, if I make it, I'll be escorted by an official Le Tour vehicle for the final kilometers to the finish line.

What's the likelihood you'll finish?
Well, if I were to attempt Stage 14 today (early April) I'm very, very confident it would be a spectacular failure. Hopefully, I'll have a better answer for you in three months.

Are you really going to match donations on pledge contracts if you fail?
Yep. I will match the donation amount on any contract I fail to fulfill.

What happens if you die?
If, unfortunately, I happen to expire on the sweltering slopes of the Pyrenees, my estate will take care of any outstanding matching responsibilities I may have in connection with the scholarship pledge contracts.

Is my scholarship donation tax deductible?
Absolutely!

How do I get proof for the tax deduction?
Once the Kent State University Foundation receives your donation, they will send you a receipt that can be used for your tax return.

Will my company match my donation?
Many companies--such as The Walt Disney Company, Blizzard Entertainment, and Progressive--match donations to higher education institutions. To find out if your company matches, you can start by checking http://www.matchinggifts.com/sfasu. If you can't find your company listed here, they may still match. You should speak with someone at your company to confirm. Bridgett Ford will be happy to answer any questions you might have about company matching.

If I have more questions about the Kent State University Foundation and the scholarship, who can I contact?
You can contact Bridgett Ford. Her full info is on the contact page.

I want to donate...what are my options?
You can donate online, by phone, or by check.

What forms of payment are accepted?
You can make a donation with check, debit card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Could it be any easier to donate?

How do I donate by phone?
You can give by phone by calling 330-672-8754. Again, be sure to mention that the donation is earmarked for the Delta Upsilon Dylan Fitzgerald Carlton Endowed Scholarship.

How do I donate online?
Just click the 'Give Today!' button and you'll be take to an online form. IMPORTANT! Make sure that if you donate online that you check the "I want to designate my gift to the following areas not listed above" option and enter "I'd like to designate my gift to the Delta Upsilon Dylan Fitzgerald Carlton Endowed Scholarship". And, if applicable, check the "My employer will be matching my gift" box. The form page is a secure page.

How do I donate by check ?
Checks should be made out to the KSU Foundation (not to me, unless you really, really want to; I won't tell). Make sure to note either on the 'Notes' line on the check or with an accompanying letter that the donation is earmarked for the Delta Upsilon Dylan Fitzgerald Carlton Endowed Scholarship. You should definitely include a letter with your mailing address so that the KSU Foundation can send you your tax deduction receipt.

KSU Foundation
Attn: Bridgett Ford
Kent State University
1061 Fraternity Circle
Kent, Ohio 44242

When do I have to send in my donation?
That depends on whether you made standard pledge or went with a pledge contract (all the cool people are doing pledge contracts). If you made a standard pledge, you can send in your donation any time between now and the middle of August. If you went with a pledge contract, you'll want to wait until after July 22nd to find out if I was able to fulfill the terms of the contract.