NC State Founders’ Pledge

NC State’s Founders’ Pledge program is designed to raise the visibility of NC State Entrepreneurship and inspire future philanthropic support of the university.  

Through the Founders’ Pledge, alumni and friends make a nonbinding promise to make a gift back to NC State when they achieve a level of success, such as an exit, IPO or steady stream of revenue. 

Founders’ Pledges do not require a gift now.  They are considered “good faith” pledges that will be fulfilled at some point in the future. Those who make a Founders’ Pledge can decide when to fulfill their respective pledges, the amount of their gifts and how their gifts will be designated at the university, e.g. a specific program, department or initiative.

Just complete the simple Pledge Form to get started.  When the timing is right for you – after an acquisition, IPO or steady period of growth – our team will help you fulfill your Founders’ Pledge by making a gift to the university in the way that is most advantageous for you.

Company founders, principal investors and stakeholders are invited to make a Founders’ Pledge to NC State. Many of the individuals who make a Founders’ Pledge will have formed a legal entity, company or nonprofit, but this is not a requirement for making a Founders’ Pledge.

When you take the Founders’ Pledge you will join an exclusive cohort of leaders who have committed to supporting NC State.  You will gain insider access to NC State Entrepreneurship’s network of thought leaders and mentors, and your Pledge will motivate and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.

No. You can decide your Pledge amount later.  All that’s needed today is your promise of future support.

No.  You can decide the amount of your gift when you are ready.  A Founders’ Pledge is intended to be a “stretch” gift marking an accomplishment or milestone of success in your entrepreneurial journey.  As a result, Founders’ Pledges can be made for any amount.

There are no tax ramifications for making a Founders’ Pledge.  Tax considerations come into play when fulfilling the Pledge, just as they would with any other charitable contribution.  Gifts to NC State University are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.  

Alumni and friends can easily signal their desire to make a Founders’ Pledge through a form on the NC State Entrepreneurship website or by contacting program staff at 919-513-3676 or entrepreneurship@ncsu.edu. When the time is right to fulfill a Founders’ Pledge, members of NC State’s University Development team can help arrange the transfer of the gift to the university in a way that is most advantageous to the Founders’ Pledge Donor.

Yes, this is one of several ways you can fulfill your Founders’ Pledge.  If you’re considering gifting shares of a startup company, please contact us early to learn about the process.

You can easily signal your desire to make a Founders’ Pledge using this simple Pledge Form or by contacting Todd Marrs at 919-515-9080 or todd_marrs@ncsu.edu. 

When you are ready to fulfill your Founders’ Pledge, members of NC State’s University Development team can help arrange the transfer of the gift to the university in a way that is most advantageous to you.