How can I make a gift?

There are many ways you can make a gift.

- Make a gift now with your credit card through our secured online giving website.

- Call us to make your gift over the phone at 901/678-3953.

- Send a check to the U of M Foundation, Dept. 238, P.O. Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148-0001.

- Have your gift deducted directly from your checking account. Some donors enjoy using our automatic debit option. Automatic debit allows you to have gifts deducted from your checking account on a regular basis. This helps you to seamlessly support the University of Memphis.  

When does Annual Giving ask for support?

We send three to four direct-mail appeals each year, and student Phonathon programs attempt to reach as many individuals as possible. Making your gift by December 31 is a great idea: it provides a year-end tax advantage for you, and saves the unnecessary cost of sending you additional mailings.

Why should I make a gift and join the Alumni Association?

Giving a gift is separate from joining the Alumni Association. Annual gifts support research, facility and technology upgrades, scholarships, and faculty. 

Alumni Association Memberships dues sponsor events such as the Homecoming parade, class reunions, student mentoring, NCAA pep rallies and other Alumni activities. Dues are also used to fund as many as 38 student scholarships, as well as four Excellence in Teaching Awards, five Excellence in Research Awards and two Excellence in Advising Awards to University faculty and staff. Membership dues start at $20 and are not considered charitable contributions under current IRS guidelines.

You may join the Alumni Association by visiting http://www.memphis.edu/alumni/index.php or by contacting the Alumni Affairs Office at 901/678-2586.

Can I make a gift in honor or in memory of someone?

Yes! Gifts may be in honor or in memory of a former professor, family member, friend, student or colleague.  The choice is yours. An acknowledgement will be sent to the individual whom you are honoring. Family will be notified when a gift is made in memory of their loved one. 

Is my Annual Gift tax deductible?

The University of Memphis Foundation is a qualified tax-exempt corporation under Section 501 (c)(3), and the University of Memphis is a tax-exempt government entity under section 501 (a) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code; therefore, your contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. If you received any tangible benefit in exchange for your contribution, the tax deductible amount is limited to the amount of your contribution over the stated value of the item or benefit you received. If your contribution qualified you for the right to purchase athletic tickets, Section 107 (1) of the Internal Revenue Code allows a charitable deduction of up to eighty percent (80%) of that contribution. Please retain this receipt and consult your tax advisor to determine your proper charitable deduction.

Why should I support the University of Memphis with a gift, and what difference will it make?

• Alumni benefited from similar generosity when they were students.  Alumni support helps to keep tuition affordable, upgrade equipment and technology, and improve the overall campus experience.
• Our strength is your strength.  Your degree is a reflection of the University’s stature and reputation.
• All gifts help us prepare the next generation of students.  Annual gifts provide students with internships, cooperative educational opportunities, tutors, and research experiences that will prepare them for a competitive job market.

Why does the University of Memphis stress donor participation?

Every gift is important no matter what amount. The number of alumni, parents and other constituents is an important metric used in published rankings of universities. Corporations and foundations also measure participation when making decisions on grant applications. All gifts, no matter the size help improve the quality of student life and enhance the overall college experience and institutional reputation.

My employer offers a Matching Gift program. Should I participate?

Many companies encourage their employees to make charitable contributions by matching their philanthropic support. At the University of Memphis, donors receive credit for their employers' matching gifts. To find out if you work for a matching gift employer, visit our matching gift page. Consult your human resources office, which will provide you with a matching gift form.

What is the Phonathon?

The Phonathon consists of a dedicated team of student employees who make phone calls year-round to alumni, parents, and friends to help raise support for academic initiatives at the University of Memphis. If you have questions about the Phonathon, visit here to learn more!