March 8, 2018
Is my contribution to the National Commodore Club tax-deductible?
It depends. As of January 1, 2018, any contribution made on or after that date for which a benefit is provided (in this case, the right to purchase athletic tickets) is received is no longer tax-deductible. Prior to the tax law change, these gifts were 80 percent tax-deductible. The previously required National Commodore Club (NCC) donation tied to seating and parking that you are used to paying is now reflected as a Premium Fee. However, some donations to the NCC are fully tax-deductible because there is no benefit received. Please contact the NCC to discuss and ensure that your gifts to support Vanderbilt student-athletes are fully tax-deductible.
What is the new Premium Fee attached to some seats?
The new Premium Fee attached to some seats in the stadium is a requirement to receive priority seats and parking. The Premium Fee is the same amount as last year; it has replaced the previous NCC required donation for seating access and no portion of it is tax-deductible.
Why is there an “NCC Gift Supporting Student-Athletes (optional)” line listed on my invoice?
Vanderbilt Athletics and the NCC want to provide the opportunity for all Vanderbilt season ticket holders to support our 350 student-athletes by making a $10 gift toward their scholarships. If you wish to opt out of the $10 NCC Gift Supporting Student-Athletes, you may do so on your ticket invoice.
What does the “NCC Gift Supporting Student-Athletes” go toward and what are the benefits of making it?
Your $10 NCC donation supports our 350 student-athletes’ scholarship costs. Benefits include a NCC member sticker, NCC Members Notes weekly e-newsletter, and invitations to NCC events. This gift is tax-deductible, as it is not associated with the right to buy tickets. NCC gifts do however factor into the awarding of NCC priority points, which offer donors a priority place in line to purchase tickets.
How will parking be done for the 2018 football season?
Priority season parking passes are for ticket holders who renew their annual fee at the levels listed under the header 2018 Football Season Parking, and who also have football season tickets. Your Premium Fee applies to both priority seating and parking.
I have given to the NCC for a long time and have been a season ticket holder for many years; do my priority points and loyalty still matter?
Yes. Your priority points and loyalty still matter! We are and continue to be grateful for your support. The athletic department will work with the NCC to use the priority point system to fairly allocate tickets and to provide other donor benefits such as post-season ticket purchasing opportunities. Donors will continue to receive points based upon the consecutive number of years they give to the NCC, their membership, and the cumulative amount of their previous contributions. This system seeks to reward both longevity and gift amounts when establishing priorities. With the point total, the NCC can “rank” all donors regardless of giving category.
Is it now necessary to continue my NCC membership in order to receive post-season ticket priority?
Demand for benefits such as tickets and parking passes created the need for a fair system to be established in which these benefits could be distributed. The NCC helps address these needs for our donors. It is not a requirement that you are an NCC member but the priority point system allows us to track support and award benefits as a way to say thank you. Your contribution to the NCC and receipt of NCC priority points does not provide you with a right to purchase any ticket(s) but it helps improve your place in line to purchase tickets.
Will the Premium Fee be applied toward my men’s basketball season tickets as my NCC gift had in the past?
Yes, the football Premium Fee will be applied to men’s basketball, and we will invoice you for any difference.
Will payment plans be available for Premium Fees?
Yes, a three-month payment plan will be offered, which will include the Premium Fee.
If I have a question about my Premium Fee, who do I contact, the NCC or the Vanderbilt Ticket Office?
Please contact the Vanderbilt Ticket Office. You can reach them Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 615-322-GOLD (4653).
When do you plan to release men’s and women’s basketball season tickets?
We anticipate men’s and women’s basketball season tickets will be available for purchase later this spring.
I want to support Vanderbilt student-athlete scholarships. How do I make a gift?
A gift to the NCC annual fund helps provide scholarship support for our 350 Vanderbilt student-athletes. Scholarship expenses include tuition, books, room and board. This gift is tax-deductible, as it is not associated with the right to buy tickets. NCC gifts do however factor into the awarding of NCC priority points, which offer donors a priority place in line to purchase tickets. Visit vu.edu/supportncc to make a gift today, or call the NCC office at 615-322-4114.
I am currently in an NCC pledge, will I still receive my priority seating and parking moving forward? Will I also receive a tax deduction?
Please contact the NCC at 615-322-4114 to discuss your open pledge and your options moving forward.
I made a gift to the NCC this year before I was aware of the changes in the tax law, and I’d like for it to be used toward my Premium Fee. Is that possible?
Please contact the NCC at 615-322-4114 to discuss your options.
I made a gift to the NCC between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017. Will it count toward priority seating and parking benefits?
Yes. Because your gift was made prior to the new tax law going into effect on January 1, 2018, your gift to the NCC may count toward priority seating and parking benefits. Moreover, a gift made before January 1, 2018, shall remain eligible for an 80 percent charitable contribution deduction on your federal tax return for calendar year 2017. Please consult with your tax advisor for further guidance and details.
I am interested in purchasing tickets to road games. How does that process work?
As a football season ticketholder, you may be eligible to purchase tickets to all of the road games, pending availability. During the allocation process, 2018 football season ticket holders will be given priority seating. To purchase tickets, please contact the Vanderbilt Ticket Office. You can reach them Monday – Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 615-322-GOLD (4653).
