Thank you for your interest in giving to Ohio University. We want to ensure that you have all the information you need to make a well-informed decision, so if you cannot find an answer to your question below, please contact us by phone (800-592-3863), email, or by using our web form.

Why does Ohio University need my support?
Ten years ago, state funding accounted for 34 percent of Ohio University’s operating budget. But times have changed. Today, only 24 percent of the budget is state-funded. In order to keep the burden of dwindling state support from falling on the shoulders of future Bobcats, we depend on private gifts from you - our alumni, donors, and friends - to help bridge the gap and keep tuition costs down.
Your gifts helps increase student financial aid, bolster research and creative activities, keep OHIO’s equipment and technology up-to-date, and enhance the Bobcat student experience - everything you do makes a huge difference in the life of our university!

Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes. The Ohio University Foundation is an institutionally-related, nonprofit, tax exempt, 501(c)(3) organization, and is the repository for all private gifts to Ohio University. Contributions to The Ohio University Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent provided by law.

Can I make my gift in installments?
Yes. Donors often make gift pledges that can be paid over time. For example, if you pledge $1,000, you might fulfill the commitment with two $500 payments over the course of a year. Or if you pledge $8,000, you might fulfill the commitment with an annual gift of $1,000 over the course of eight years. We are here to assist you in making those decisions. For more information about pledging gifts, please contact us by phone (800-592-3863), email, or by using our web form.

What is a gift-in-kind?
Gifts of goods or services to the university are referred to as gifts-in-kind. Please consult with your unit’s development officer if you are interested in making a gift-in-kind donation.

How do I set up a scholarship?
If you’d like to create a scholarship, please speak with your unit’s development officer or contact us by phone (1-800-592-3863), email, or by using our web form. We’ll work with you to lay out how you want the scholarship to be awarded (for example, how much you want to be awarded annually and GPA / major requirements). You’ll need to make an initial gift of $1,000 to open a new account.

What is an endowment?
Just like a savings account, endowment funds generate income from the principal investment. Endowments create the foundation upon which universities build lasting financial strength and ensure academic quality. Once in place, endowments provide permanent support for teaching and research, student aid, and an abundance of other academic programs and activities.

With a minimum $15,000 commitment, you can create an endowment that will bear your name – or the name of someone you wish to honor. For information on establishing an endowment, please contact the Office of Development via phone (800-592-3863) or by email.

When will I receive a receipt for my gift?
You can expect to receive a receipt within 14 business days after The Ohio University Foundation receives your gift.

How do I obtain a copy of my tax receipt?
To obtain a duplicate copy of your tax receipt, please contact us by phone (800-592-3863), email, or by using our web form.

Who do I contact to find out information about a gift I’ve already made?
For questions about gifts, please contact Donor Relations at 740-593-2486.

What kind of assets can be used to make a planned gift to Ohio University?
Almost any asset can be used to make a planned gift to Ohio University including cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, and even retirement assets and life insurance policies. For more information on gift options, please click HERE.

How do I include Ohio University in my will or living trust?
A charitable bequest is one of the easiest ways you can leave a lasting impact on Ohio University. A bequest may be made in your will or trust directing a gift to our organization. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift to be made to family, friends or a charity as part of your estate plan. Please click HERE for more information.

Why did I receive a call from Ohio University?
If you’ve received a call from Ohio University recently, it’s likely that it was one of our students calling to ask for your support. We hope that you enjoyed the experience and were able to reconnect with campus, even if just for a little while. Ohio University's National Phonathon contacts an average of 75,000 alumni every year to update alumni records, inform them of events around campus, and ask for their support.

Who are the Phonathon callers?
While we use RuffaloCody to manage our phone center, all of the callers are actual Ohio University students. They really enjoy speaking with you and they love to hear about your experiences at the university.

If you have any comments or concerns about your conversation, please feel free to send us your feedback on the “Ask Us a Question” page.