Giving

Making a Difference

The future growth and success of the University of San Diego will be, as it is today, highly dependent on financial support from alumni, parents, organizations and other friends of the university. Clearly, the ability of the institution and its leaders to meet new challenges and opportunities will depend greatly on the continuing support of its friends.

Gifts to the University of San Diego may be made to the University Fund for current operations. These gifts provide the University with the flexibility to respond to those areas of greatest need.

Gifts may also be designated to a particular purpose on campus, including restrictions to:

• Facilities and EquipmentSchools and Departments Research Endowed Chairs and other forms of faculty support Student Scholarships
• Libraries

Gifts may be made as "outright gifts" of cash, securities or other property; or may be pledged to USD in a formal statement of the donor’s intention to make a gift over some period of time that usually does not exceed five years.

Donors may specify that all or part of their gift be used during the current fiscal year to meet current operating needs, or one may provide perpetual support in the form of an endowed fund wherein the principal remains intact and only a portion of the annual interest earned on its investment may be spent for the intended purpose. There is a minimum level of support ($50,000) required to establish a new endowed fund, payable over some period of time that usually does not exceed five years. However, a donor may add to an existing endowment at any time with any amount.

A few options for giving are listed below. All offer tax or estate planning advantages that may be useful to donors. For specific tax information, please consult with your financial advisor.

Cash: Outright gifts of cash or its equivalent enable the donor to claim an income tax charitable deduction for the full value of the gift. Outright gifts or pledge payments may also be made by credit card by contacting the USD Office of Annual Giving (619-260-4724) or by accessing the online giving page.

Securities: The donor as well as the university can benefit from gifts of appreciated securities. A donor may usually claim an income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the securities donated. As with any major gift, it is advisable to consult an attorney, accountant, or other advisor regarding the tax advantages of such gifts relative to the donor's particular circumstances. Gifts of securities may be made either directly, or preferably, by direct wire transfer.

It is best to contact the USD Development Office (619-260-4820), Annual Giving Office (619-260-4724) or Budget & Treasury Office (619-260-4643) for instructions regarding the transfer to ensure that the gift will be completed promptly and efficiently.

Planned and Other Gifts: The University of San Diego welcomes gifts of real estate and tangible personal property. For more information on these types of gifts and planned giving options such as bequests and trusts, contact the Office of Planned Giving at 619-260-4523 or email plannedgiving@sandiego.edu.

Memorial and Honorary Gifts

A memorial gift to the University can help perpetuate the values and ideals that guided the life of a relative, a loved one, a close friend or a much admired teacher or mentor. Gifts may also honor a person during his or her life or commemorate some significant event. Families of those so honored will be notified of the donor's gift; the amount, however, typically remains a private matter unless otherwise stipulated by the donor.

University Fund

Donors may make gifts that are for current operations to be used for the most pressing campus priorities. These gifts enable the university to fund exceptional or unforseen opportunities and needs that may not be within the scope of regularly budgeted programs.

Annual gifts may be made through the University Fund. USD's annual giving year runs from July 1 to June 30. Annual gifts of $1,000 or more will be recognized through membership in The President's Club, USD's leadership gift club. Gifts of cash or in-kind products and services of $1,500 or more from businesses and organizations are recognized by membership in BusinessLink USD.

Alumni Participation

Every gift makes a difference. Broad-based support encourages major gifts and grants to the university. While a financial contribution is not the only way to support the university, it is an established and important indicator of support for the mission of USD. Viewed also as a measure of the value alumni place on their educational experience, national college ranking organizations use alumni participation in the ranking process. When considering a gift to the university, whether it be unrestricted or designated to a special area of campus, remember that the rate at which alumni give is an important statistic and a barometer of an institution's relevance.