Annual Fund
The Duke Annual Fund is made up of thousands of operating gifts from Duke's loyal alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends. In 2011-12, gifts from more than 48,100 donors added a record $29.1 million in expendable operating support. These contributions benefit Duke students, paying for financial aid awards, computer and laboratory equipment, course development, student research projects, summer internship stipends, exhibitions in the museum, repairs in the chapel, and so much more.
How can I make a gift?
Duke makes it easy by offering a variety of ways to give. From every page on the Duke Forward website you can Make a Gift on our secure giving site or learn about other Ways to Give, including stock transfers and bank drafts.
Can I designate which school or area receives my support?
Yes! The Duke Annual Fund is made up of sixteen school and area annual funds. A single gift can be split among two or more areas. Simply indicate how the gift should be allocated when you make your contribution.
| Schools | Other Annual Giving |
|---|---|
|
Divinity School Fuqua School of Business Graduate School Nicholas School of the Environment Pratt School of Engineering Sanford School of Public Policy School of Law School of Medicine School of Nursing Trinity College of Arts & Sciences* |
Duke Chapel Marine Lab Nasher Museum of Art Sarah P. Duke Gardens Scholarship Awards from the Duke Alumni Association University Libraries |
*Trinity College allows donors to further allocate Annual Fund gifts for
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|
How can I increase the impact of my support through a matching gift?
Many companies and foundations will match the value of charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses, board members, and retirees. To find out if a particular company or foundation has a matching gift program, check Duke's matching gift database.
Is it really important to support the Annual Fund every single year?
Yes! In fact, consistent giving is so important that Duke created a giving society to honor its most loyal Annual Fund donors. Donors who have supported the Annual Fund for five or more consecutive years are recognized as members of the Cornerstone Society. Undergraduate alumni who have supported the Annual Fund every year since graduation are further recognized as lifetime members. Consistent giving is the cornerstone of the Annual Fund's success. Membership in this giving society is renewable annually.
Why should I consider a multi-year pledge?
A multi-year pledge can help you keep track of your giving, cut down on annual solicitations, and ensure that you continue to support the Annual Fund each and every fiscal year. In addition, undergraduate alumni who make multi-year pledges to the Annual Fund will have the entirety of their commitments counted in their classes' reunion gift totals.
What's a leadership gift?
All Duke supporters take seriously the university's ambition to be counted among the world's best, and some donors decide to make Duke a priority for their charitable dollar. Duke has established a number of leadership gift clubs to recognize its top Annual Fund donors. Membership is renewable annually and is based on Annual Fund gifts made or facilitated by an individual and his/her spouse. Learn more about Gift Clubs.
| Gift Club | Gift Level |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Members of the President's Executive Council | $50,000 + |
| President's Executive Council | $25,000 - $49,999 |
| President's Council | $10,000 - $24,999 |
| William Preston Few Association | $5,000 – $9,999 |
| Washington Duke Club Fellows | $2,500 – $4,999 |
| Washington Duke Club Members | $1,000 – $2,499 |
| Washington Duke Club Young Alumni Members - undergraduate alumni 5-9 years after graduation | $500 - $2,499 |
| Washington Duke Club/Young Alumni Members - undergraduates and undergraduate alumni up to 4 years after graduation | $250 - $2,499 |
| Washington Duke Club Seniors | $100 - $2,499 |
What does not qualify as an Annual Fund gift?
- Gifts to restricted funds, such as a research fund or scholarship endowment
- Annual giving to the Iron Dukes or to other programs not listed above as "Duke Annual Fund" designations
- Alumni dues, which provide support for alumni programs, not for current students
What is the deadline for making a contribution?
Each year's Annual Fund campaign ends on June 30.