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Types of Gifts

From cash to time to talent to estates to endowments, the choice is yours when it comes to how your gift is used to secure the Russ College's promise to create for good.

Gifts of Cash

A gift of cash is a simple and easy way for you to make a gift. You will receive a charitable tax deduction that will provide you with savings on this year's tax return, and you will make an immediate impact on Ohio University's mission. Did you know that you can deduct up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income in the year you make a gift to Ohio University, and, if necessary, carry forward the balance of the deduction for up to five years?

Our secure, online giving form is the easiest way to make your gift. To make an immediate gift using your credit or debit card, please visit this site.

If you prefer to make your gift over the phone, or if you have questions while trying to make your gift, contact Russ College Director of Development Tanyah Stone at 740.593.9301.

To mail a gift, please make your check payable to The Ohio University Foundation. If you wish to designate your gift to a certain area, please write that in the memo line of the check, and mail it to:

The Ohio University Foundation
P.O. Box 869
Athens, OH 45701-0869

Gift Planning

Ohio University’s Office of Gift Planning can assist you in making a planned gift (such as an estate, bequest or trust). There are a number of donors who are benefiting from life income gifts, gift annuities, and other plans that provide favorable tax benefits.

Matching Gifts

Your employer may help you double or even triple your impact by matching your gift to Ohio University. Some companies even match gifts made by retirees and spouses. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please search the University Advancement site for your employer's name.

If your company will match your gift, you may be able to access the forms directly through the search. Or, please request a matching gift form from your employer and send it completed and signed with your gift to:

The Ohio University Foundation
P.O. Box 869
Athens, OH 45701-0869

If you run into any problems, we'll be happy to help. Just contact Russ College Director of Development Tanyah Stone at 740-593-9301.

Memorial and Honorary Gifts

If you have a friend or family member who has been touched by the promise of Ohio University, you are welcome to make a gift in honor of that individual. Gifts of any type may be made in honor of, or in memory of, a specific person. This type of gift is a thoughtful and meaningful way to recognize the accomplishments or memory of a colleague, professor, friend, or relative.

For more information, please contact Russ College Director of Development Tanyah Stone at 740-593-9301.

Payroll Deductions

Please check with your company to see if they have a payroll deduction program. For OU employees, please visit here.

Gifts of Real Estate

There are many options for donating real property such as your home, second home, vacation property, vacant land, farmland, ranch, commercial property or other real estate. Donors who make a gift of real estate can receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the asset and pay no capital gains tax on the transfer. Please visit Office of Gift Planning for more information.

Giving Retirement Assets

A gift of your retirement assets [401(k), 403(b), pension or other tax deferred plan] is an excellent way to make a gift. Did you know that 50%-60% of your retirement assets may be taxed if you leave them to your heirs at your death? By designating The Ohio University Foundation as the beneficiary of all or part of your tax deferred plan (using a beneficiary designation form provided by your custodian), the full value of the gift is transferred tax-free at your death and your estate receives an estate tax charitable deduction.

Giving Stocks, Securities, or Bonds

A gift of your securities, including stocks or bonds, is an easy way for you to make a gift. By making a gift of your appreciated securities, you can avoid paying capital gains tax that would otherwise be due if you sold these assets. To make an immediate gift, please visit the Office of Gift Planning for the latest documentation about electric transfer.

Gifts of Time and Talent

There are a variety of ways you can get involved and make a difference at Ohio University:

  • Get involved in your local alumni chapter.
  • Mentor another Bobcat through our Alumni Mentor Network.
  • Help out with student recruitment through the Volunteer Alumni Admissions Network (VAAN) or the Global Ambassadors Network.
  • Set up or connect an internship program with your college.
  • Attend a networking event with students.