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Frequently Asked Questions

Photo of a small tree growing up out of coins.

Can I make a gift of any size towards bursaries for learners with financial need?

Yes! Two funds support learners with financial need. The NOSM University General Bursary – MD supports medical students, and the NOSM University General Postgraduate Bursary supports medical residents.

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How will donors be recognized?

It is important to NOSM University that donors receive lasting recognition for their generosity. Every gift is appreciated and really does make a difference. Donors will receive a personal “thank you” letter and charitable tax receipt. Depending upon the contribution and the wishes of the donor to receive public recognition, other forms of acknowledgement may include donor publications, the donor wall, and invitations to special events such as donor recognition events. Our Advancement team will work with you to ensure gift recognition is appropriate and meaningful to you.

How are named or endowed NOSM University bursaries established?

Endowed bursaries are named permanently according to the donor’s wishes. Endowed bursaries are established with a minimum investment of $25,000. A donor may choose to pledge $25,000 for endowment over five years until the total is reached. Endowed bursaries are awarded one year after the minimum contribution is reached. Interest earned on the capital is used to pay out the annual award in perpetuity. 

Non-endowed bursaries are established with a yearly minimum donation of $1,000 for five years. Non-endowed bursaries are paid out to learners in full and do not live on in perpetuity. These awards are named according to the donor’s wishes. 

Can specific granting criteria be stipulated for named awards?

NOSM University works with donors to establish the terms of reference for named annual awards and endowments within university policy guidelines.

Can I make a gift over a period of time?

Pledging over a period of time is most welcome. This method often allows donors to give more generously than they may have originally thought possible. Pledges made now will create a legacy for future learners.

What is the financial impact of attending medical school?

Graduating medical students can face debt loads of more than $200,000, with repayments to begin immediately in residency after their medical degrees are completed. The average first year income in residency is $55,000. The cost of servicing a debt of $100,000 is $14,000 a year, which works out to nearly half of their take home pay. One of our greatest concerns is that, based on fears of economic hardship, an ideal candidate for Northern and rural practice could be discouraged from applying or decline our offer of acceptance or, once enrolled, withdraw from continuing studies. The University is appealing to donors so that accomplished students are given every opportunity for a bright future as Northern Ontario physicians.

What happens to my gift after it is received?

Your gift will be designated into the fund of your choice, and you will receive a receipt from NOSM University.

Is it possible for my gift to remain anonymous?

Yes! We are mindful that many individuals prefer that their gift be anonymous. We will certainly respect your wishes in this regard. Recognizing that anonymity may be different for each individual, the Advancement team will consult directly with you to establish the level of privacy that would be most appropriate.

Will I receive a charitable donation (tax) receipt?

Yes! People who make a charitable donation will receive a tax receipt from NOSM University. These receipts are issued annually in February. Our charitable registration is 86466 0352 RR0001.

Where do I go to make a gift?

Give online

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Give by phone
Make your confidential gift by Visa, MasterCard, or Amex by calling 1-800-461-8777 extension 7154.

Give by mail
Mail a cheque, made payable to NOSM University. Please do not send cash by mail.

Cheques can be mailed to:

NOSM University
Advancement Office
955 Oliver Rd.
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 5E1

Whole-body donation

NOSM University does not accept whole body donations. For more information on whole body donations in Ontario please visit the Government of Ontario webpage.

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