Annual Fund

Gifts to the 16 Annual Fund designations across campus allow deans and directors to say "yes" to innovative programs, faculty research projects, and hands-on learning opportunities. In 2016-17, nearly 59,000 alumni, parents, students, and friends added more than $39 million in flexible support! These funds help pay for financial aid awards, student research projects, summer internship stipends, exhibitions in the museum, repairs in the chapel, and so much more. Every gift adds up to create a Duke experience that is like no other. And it’s all made possible by you.

How can I make a gift?

Duke makes it easy by offering a variety of ways to give. From every page on the Duke Forward website you can Make a Gift on 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.

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 Annual Fund every single year?

Yes! In fact, consistent giving is so important that Duke created a giving society to honor its most loyal Annual Fund donors. 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. Consistent giving is the cornerstone of the Annual Fund's success. Membership in this giving society is renewable annually.

Why should I consider a multi-year pledge?

A multi-year pledge can help you keep track of your giving, cut down on annual solicitations, and ensure that you continue to support the Annual Fund each and every fiscal year. In addition, undergraduate alumni who make multi-year 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 counted among the world's best, and some donors decide to make Duke a priority. 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 his/her spouse. Learn more about Leadership Giving Societies.

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.