Ways to Give

Outright Gifts


Credit Card

Make a gift on Duke's secure giving site.

Check

Mail your gift to the Office of Alumni and Development Records, where all charitable contributions to Duke University and the Duke University Health System are processed:

U.S. Mail
Alumni and Development Records
Duke University Box 90581
Durham, NC 27708-0581
Phone: (919) 684-2338
Fax: (919) 684-8527

Express Mail
Alumni and Development Records
Duke University
Suite #1050 Bay 10, Upper Level Washington Building
324 Blackwell Street
Durham, NC 27701

Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds

Notify us of your plan to donate securities to Duke.

Matching Gifts

Many companies and foundations will double or even triple the value of charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses, board members, and retirees. Find out if a particular organization will match your gift.

Bank Draft

With your authorization, Duke can debit your checking account once per month in the amount you designate. To sign up, fill out an authorization form and mail it to Duke with a voided check.

Payroll Deduction

Duke employees can make charitable contributions to the university and health system by payroll deduction. To sign up, fill out an authorization form.

Gifts from UK Taxpayers

If you pay UK taxes—even if you are a US citizen—find out how the Duke UK Trust Limited can make your donation worth more.

Foreign Currency

Learn more about donating foreign currency to Duke.

Personal Property

If you would like to donate personal property to Duke, please contact Alumni and Development Records at (919) 684-2338. Some gifts require appraisal or advance approval in order to be accepted. Examples of property donated to Duke include tickets to athletic events, laboratory equipment, art work, machinery, computer equipment, and software.

Real Estate

All gifts of real estate require prior approval by the university. A gift of real estate may be a principal residence or vacation residence, a farm, a commercial building, a subdivision lot, or unimproved land. The gift may be the entire property or a fractional interest in the property. Duke's Office of Gift Planning can walk you through the approval process. Learn more.

Wire Transfer

The use of wire transfers has fallen out of favor as the fees incurred by donors have become quite substantial. If you are trying to meet a deadline, you might prefer to charge your gift to a credit card or mail the donation through an express carrier. To arrange a wire transfer, contact Alumni and Development Records at (919) 684-2338.

Deferred or Planned Gifts

Your gift to Duke can also be a useful financial planning tool.

Life Income Gift

A life income gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder unitrust, can provide you and/or your loved ones with an income for the duration of your lives or for a specific number of years. You receive a current income tax dedication as well. Learn more.

Charitable Lead Trust

These trusts can be used to transfer assets to a loved one with a significantly reduced tax liability. Learn more.

Bequest

The most common form of deferred gift to Duke is a bequest contained in a person's will or revocable (living) trust. Find sample language and more information.

Gifts of Retirement Plans

Naming Duke as a primary or contingent beneficiary of a private pension fund (e.g. IRA, SEP, 401(k)) can result in a "tax-wise" testamentary gift because these assets do not receive favorable tax treatment at their owner's death. Learn more.

Retained Life Estate

You can generate a current income tax deduction by giving a home or farm to Duke, while retaining the right to use the property during your lifetime. The property will also be removed from your taxable estate. Contact Duke's Office of Gift Planning to discuss this gift opportunity in more detail.

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