Gifts to the Duke Annual Fund allow deans and directors to say “yes” to innovative programs, groundbreaking research and hands-on learning opportunities. In 2019-20, over 51,000 alumni, parents, students and friends added more than $41 million in flexible support! Across campus, annual funds help pay for financial aid awards, student research, summer stipends, library resources, exhibitions in the Nasher and so much more. Every gift adds up to create a Duke experience unlike any other. And it’s all made possible by you!
How do I make a gift?
Duke makes it easy by offering a variety of ways to give. You can either make a gift through our secure giving site or learn about other ways to give, including stock transfers and bank drafts.
Can I designate which school or area receives my support?
Yes! The Duke Annual Fund is made up of 16 school and area annual funds. A single gift can be split among two or more areas. Simply indicate how the gift should be allocated when you make your contribution.
| Schools | Areas |
| Divinity School The Fuqua School of Business The Graduate School Nicholas School of the Environment Pratt School of Engineering* Sanford School of Public Policy School of Law School of Medicine School of Nursing Trinity College of Arts & Sciences* | Duke Chapel Marine Lab Nasher Museum of Art Sarah P. Duke Gardens Scholarship Awards from the Duke Alumni Association University Libraries |
*Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and Pratt School of Engineering allow donors to further allocate Annual Fund gifts for:
- Need-based financial aid
- Teaching and mentoring
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Flexible operating support
How can I increase the impact of my support through a matching gift?
Many companies and foundations will match the value of charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses, board members and retirees. To find out if a particular company or foundation has a matching gift program, check Duke’s matching gift database.
Is it really important to support the Duke Annual Fund every single year?
Yes! Consistent giving provides the foundation for deans and directors to make bold plans and undertake new challenges. Duke created a giving society to recognize its most loyal donors as the cornerstone of the Annual Fund’s success. Donors who have supported the Annual Fund for five or more consecutive years are recognized as members of the Cornerstone Society. Undergraduate alumni who have supported the Annual Fund every year since graduation are further recognized as lifetime members. Membership in this giving society is renewable annually.
Can I set up my giving to take place automatically?
You can set up your gift to be automatically charged to your credit card on a monthly, quarterly or annual schedule for as long as you would like. Simply select the recurring gift option on the giving site or through mail or phone. Setting up a recurring gift ensure your support and reduces the annual solicitations you receive.
Why should I consider a multiyear pledge?
A multiyear pledge can help you keep track of your giving, cut down on annual solicitations and ensure that you continue to support the Annual Fund every fiscal year. In addition, undergraduate alumni who make multiyear pledges to the Annual Fund will have the entirety of their commitments counted in their classes’ reunion gift totals.
What’s a leadership gift?
All Duke supporters take seriously the university’s ambition to be among the world’s best, and some donors decide to make Duke a special priority in their philanthropy. Duke has established a number of leadership gift clubs to recognize its top Annual Fund donors. Membership is renewable annually and is based on Annual Fund gifts made or facilitated by an individual and their spouse. Learn more about Leadership Giving Societies across the Annual Fund and schools.
| Society | Gift Level |
| President’s Society | Executive Cabinet – $100,000+ Cabinet Member – $50,000-$99,999 Executive Council – $25,000-$49,999 Council – $10,000-$24,999 |
| Washington Duke Society | Partner – $5,000-$9,999 Fellow – $2,500-$4,999 Member – $1,000-$2,499 |
| Young Alumni Leadership Society | $500-$999 for undergraduates 5-9 years out $250-$999 for undergraduates 1-4 years out |
| Student Leadership Society | $100+ for current undergraduate students |
What does not qualify as an Annual Fund gift?
- Gifts to restricted funds, such as a research fund or scholarship endowment
- Annual giving to the Iron Dukes or to other programs not listed above as “Duke Annual Fund” designations
- Alumni dues, which provide support for alumni programs, not for current students
What is the deadline for making a contribution?
Each year’s Annual Fund campaign ends on June 30.