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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about giving to UC San Diego have been provided below. If you find that your specific question has not been answered, please contact us directly by sending an email to giving@ucsd.edu, or by calling 858-534-1610.
- Why should I give to UCSD?
- Where should I give?
- How much should I donate?
- What about matching funds from my employer?
- Can I specify how my contribution is used?
- How do I make a gift?
- What are “planned” gifts?
- Are there fees associated with contributions?
- Is my gift tax deductible?
- Who can I contact for more information on how to make a gift?
- Glossary
Why should I give to UCSD?
Because UC San Diego only receives a fraction of its total annual budget from state funding—just 12 percent—philanthropic contributions are critical to the university’s continued success. This campus depends on private support so that it can continue to deliver the local impact, national influence and global reach UC San Diego has achieved as the region’s leading research university. Please visit Reasons for Giving to learn more.
Where should I give?
The reasons for making a gift are very personal to each donor, and UCSD offers a vast array of giving opportunities to meet your personal goals. For more information, visit Where to Give.
How much should I donate?
Your donations, no matter how large or small, can make the difference in finding a cure for cancer, developing policies to promote global security or recruiting the best and brightest students and faculty. Even small contributions, when pooled with gifts from others, can achieve big results – and begin a lifetime of philanthropy. You can learn more at UC San Diego’s Giving website, www.giving.ucsd.edu.
What about matching funds from my employer?
Matching gift programs can dramatically increase the impact of your gift to UC San Diego. Many employers offer matching funds that may double or triple any charitable contributions made by their employees. Visit our Employer Matching Gifts Program page to find out more and see if your employer is a participating company.
Can I specify how my contribution is used?
Yes, as the donor you specify how the gift will be used. Whether you choose to support students, staff or faculty, or contribute funds toward academics or research programs, your donation will ensure a successful future for UC San Diego. Donors may select from a variety of funds that support people and programs across the entire campus. For a full list of funds to which you can designate your gift, click here to access our secure online giving site.
How do I make a gift?
There are many ways to make your gift to UC San Diego. You may donate by cash, check or credit card. If you are an employee, you can also use payroll deduction. For more information, visit Ways to Give.
What are "planned" gifts?
Planned gifts include trusts, gift annuities and bequests. If you would like to make a planned gift or include UCSD in your will, please call (858) 534-2249, or visit the Office of Planned Giving website at www.plannedgiving.ucsd.edu.
Are there fees associated with contributions?
The university assesses a four percent fee on donations to support external relations programs designed to further the university’s base of support. This is among the lowest rate for any UC campus and is well below the amounts assessed on donations by many nonprofits for administration.
Is my gift tax deductible?
The UC San Diego Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Your gift qualifies for tax-deduction in accordance with IRS regulations during the calendar year that you make your gift. You will receive a gift receipt for your files. Consult your tax professional for more information.
Who can I contact for more information on how to make a gift?
Please call (858) 534-1610 or email at giving@ucsd.edu, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
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