Venture Fund a "win-win" for donors and OSU

The decision to make a gift to OSU’s Venture Development Fund was easy for alumnus Todd Woodley, a 1986 civil engineering graduate and president of Slayden Construction.

"I did the math," he said. "When you look into it, it’s really a win-win situation."

Gifts to the venture fund support the commercialization of research, which helps the university and the Oregon economy. The venture fund also provides Oregon tax payers with a 60 percent state tax credit. For some donors that can mean as little as five or ten percent out-of-pocket cost on their gift.

For example, if a tax payer in the 35 percent tax bracket made a pledge of $50,000 paid over three years—after taking a yearly state tax credit of $10,000 for three years plus the federal tax deduction in year one—their out-of-pocket cost for the gift would be only $2,500.

For Todd Woodley, the tax benefits allowed him to make a venture fund contribution in addition to his other giving to OSU. Woodley appreciated the way the fund allowed him to maximize his support for Oregon State. “Whether the funds end up creating new innovations in agriculture, engineering, or science, it will all go right back into the economy. When you can make a contribution that directly impacts the bottom line and benefits Oregon—that’s responsible business.”

Learn more about the University Venture Development Fund