Giving FAQs

Please look here for questions that you might share; if you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What is the Annual Fund? Our Annual Fund is part of a campus-wide effort which allows each college or institution a viable means to support critical day-to-day operations. Gifts to the Annual Fund help to close the deficit left by declining state support and helps bolster the cost of educating today’s students.

Will my gift be tax deductible? Your gift may be fully or partially deductible, depending on the nature of the gift. Any goods or services involved in the exchange of gifts are declared to have fair-market value which is not tax deductible. Contributions to FAA are subject to IRS Code sections 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) and 170(b)(1)(A)(v).

Can I give over a period of time? Most certainly. Donors often pledge gifts to be made through a series of payments. Our staff would be happy to work with you to establish a pledge commitment ovet time that suites your individual giving needs.

What kinds of assets are allowable as gifts? The University accepts many types of gifts: cash, real estate, securities, art, jewelry, mineral and intellectual rights, and more.

Tell me about endowed Scholarships? Scholarships offer donors the singular opportunity to make a real difference in a student’s life. An endowed scholarship of $25,000 provides the total tuition for one student to earn his or her degree.

Can I choose the student that receives the scholarship that I provide? The college has a scholarship committee in place that reviews and administers the scholarship. Donors are encouraged to meet and attend planned activities with the scholarship recipients.

What happens to my endowed gift? The University of Illinois Foundation (UIF) handles and administers endowment funds. The UIF Board of Directors oversees the investment administration to ensure assets are preserved, managed and invested within a professionally managed portfolio.

What are my rights as a donor? The University of Illinois has set up a Donor Bill of Rights which guarantee all donors will be treated with the utmost care, confidentiality and respect through all transactions and interactions to protect your personal and professional information.

Who should I call if I have more questions about giving to FAA? Contact Assistant Dean for Development Roger Laramee at (217) 333-1661 or via e-mail: rlaramee@illinois.edu.

How do I get my IRS tax receipt? Tax receipts are generally mailed to you within a week of receiving your donation.

Can a gift be designated to a specific area? Yes, giving money to the unrestricted Annual Fund is encouraged, but donors may request their gift be given to a specific area or designation. To accomplish this, a written request, or designation on your check, should be submitted with a gift to the University. If the donation is being made online, a designation for the gift's use may be chosen from the list provided. If the donor wants to designate a gift for a program not noted on the list then they will need to contact Stewardship Services at the U of I Foundation at (217)383-8668 or via e-mail.

For more information on designating a contribution to our college, please contact our Office of Advancement at 217/333-1661 or via e-mail.

How does private giving affect the university's overall budget? Private funding is the critical factor in establishing the future for the Arts at Illinois -- philanthropy is an invaluable tool that helps the College's programs to thrive and grow. Gifts from private donors ensure that we can attract the best faculty and students and allows us to offer academic programs of excellence.

How can I receive or correct my gift receipt? Please contact Stewardship Services, 217/333-8668.

Where do I send my check? Please make your check payable to the "University of Illinois Foundation/YOUR GIFT DESIGNATION" and send it to:

U of I Foundation
1305 W. Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801

What is the University of Illinois Foundation? Gifts to University of Illinois are managed by the University of Illinois Foundation, the fund-raising arm of the University. The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation separate from the University of Illinois. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization. A copy of the Foundation's current financial statement is available online or on request by calling the Foundation at 217/333-0810.