The following questions are among those most commonly asked by prospective donors to the Division of Student Affairs. For more information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please get in touch with the office directly at (301) 314-4900.
General Giving FAQs
Do I have different options in making a gift to the Division of Student Affairs?
You may choose the type of asset (cash or non-cash) to contribute, the giving method (direct or planned), and the initiative you would like to support (a fund, program, scholarship, department, and so on).
May I pledge a gift and spread it out over a period of time?
You may pledge a gift of $5,000 or more and pay for it over a maximum five-year term.
May I make a gift to recognize or memorialize someone?
Yes, you may make your gift in recognition of a special loved one, friend, or colleague, or to memorialize someone who is deceased. For more information or a confidential discussion, please send e-mail to or call one of our development staff.
How can I make a gift that will last forever as a tribute to someone?
You may endow your gift so that it lives in perpetuity. The gift's principal will be invested soundly and a percentage of the income generated will be designated as you wish. For more information or a confidential discussion, please send e-mail to or call one of our development staff.
How can I give online?
Gifts to our annual fund, the Maryland Fund for Excellence may be made online quickly and securely. For other types of gifts such as establishing a scholarship or professorship and estate gifts, please send e-mail to or call one of our development staff.
May I make a gift through my estate or will?
There are numerous ways to use your estate as a means to take care of loved ones after you're gone, while realizing your philanthropic goals. For more personalized information or a confidential discussion, please send e-mail to or call one of our development staff.
Can I donate a gift in-kind?
Yes, the Division of Student Affairs accepts gifts in kind that benefit programs and departments within the Division. To learn more about the Division’s needs, please call Ed Kenny at (301) 405-0322 or dsagiving@umd.edu.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Gifts in support of the University of Maryland Division of Student Affairs are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor if you have questions or concerns about your donation.
Are there other tax breaks or income-producing opportunities for me through my gift?
There are various ways of structuring your gift whereby you will be provided with a stream of income in addition to a tax break. Please contact your finance or tax professional directly, please send e-mail to or call one of our development staff.
Whom should I make my check out to?
Checks should be made out to the University of Maryland College Park Foundation.
Scholarships FAQs
Can the scholarship or award be named?
For both endowed ($50,000 minimum) and annual scholarships or awards ($25,000 minimum), the donor may, in consultation with our staff, decide the name of the scholarship or award. Many people choose to name their scholarship in honor or in memory of a family member, friend, Maryland graduate, staff or faculty member. Scholarships can be named for an individual, family, organization, corporation, or other group.
May I select the area and establish awarding criteria for the scholarship or award?
Yes, we are happy to work with donors to create a broad set of criteria for a scholarship or award. For example, you may restrict the scholarship or award to a specific program, to students in a particular major, or to an undergraduate or graduate student. In addition, your scholarship or award can be awarded based on merit or need or both. Unfortunately, to comply with gift policies and IRS regulations, donors may not specify or select a specific student recipient.
Who selects the scholarship recipients?
We will create a scholarship committee based on the specific scholarship or award created. Selection committees will often include representation or input from the Office of Financial Aid, Admissions and a faculty or staff member from the from the area most involved with the scholarship or award.
Will I have the opportunity to meet my scholarship student(s)?
Each year we will send you a report on your scholarship along with a thank-you letter from your student recipient(s). If you are interested in contacting a student directly, please let us know.
Is my scholarship gift tax-deductible?
Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation Inc., an affiliated 501 c(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor.
How are scholarship gifts recognized?
In addition to being honored formally at our annual scholarship event, the University of Maryland and the Division of Student Affairs publish an annual honor roll of all donors. Endowed scholarship and award donors and recipients are also profiled on our UM Celebration of Scholarships Website.
We appreciate your consideration and interest in creating an endowed or annual scholarship or award. Thank you for helping us to improve the student experience at Maryland and literally change lives, so our students in turn will continue to change their communities and the world for the better.