Winter 2026 Small Shop Roundtable Discussion: Naming Policies-Naming Reference for Mott Community College

Naming Reference for Mott Community College

Pdf Summary

The Mott Community College (MCC) naming policy specifies that buildings, rooms, or roadways may be named after individuals who meet criteria such as being a former trustee, Foundation Board member, outstanding former employee, or a citizen with significant monetary or service contributions. The naming process starts with a request submitted to the College President, accompanied by a biography and justification. A standing committee—including a Board Trustee, Foundation Executive Committee member, Foundation Director, and Vice President of Administration or designee—reviews the request. If criteria are met, the committee recommends naming to the President, who may then propose it for Board of Trustees approval.<br /><br />Additional considerations emphasize that naming buildings often reflects both significant service and substantial financial support. For publicly funded buildings, naming for notable service may be suitable. However, private donations are typically essential for fundraising success, and naming rights are a powerful incentive for major gifts. Naming a building without a private gift can reduce fundraising opportunities, particularly during major gift campaigns.<br /><br />Recommended guidelines for naming buildings in exchange for private gifts include the “25% formula.” This approach suggests that naming rights be tied to a donation of approximately 25% of the building’s current value or construction costs—for instance, $2.5 million for a $10 million facility. Alternatively, the lead gift for naming a building in a campaign might represent about 25% of the total private fundraising goal, such as a $1 million lead gift in a $4 million campaign. These guidelines help maintain consistency and protect donor relations by setting clear, substantial thresholds for naming recognition.

Keywords

Mott Community College

naming policy

building naming

private donations

25% formula

fundraising

naming rights

Board of Trustees

donor recognition

major gifts