FAQs
Answers to many common questions about giving to MIT are provided below. If, however, you find that your question isn’t addressed here, or if you’d like to make a comment or suggestion about this Web site, please contact us directly, either by e-mail at giving@mit.edu, or by phone at 617.253.0129.
Mechanics of making a gift
I want to make a gift to MIT. Where do I start?
There are several ways to make your gift to the Institute. Many donors prefer the ease and convenience of using our secure online gift form. But you may also choose to give to MIT by mail, phone, or fax; by electronic funds transfer; or by bank wire transfer. Read more about these other ways to make your gift.
Can I designate my gift for a specific purpose?
Yes! We encourage you to direct your gift to a program that is meaningful to you. Learn about the Institute’s top fundraising priorities, as well as the many other areas that can benefit from your support.
In what areas does MIT need support most right now?
The Institute has identified five major areas as top priorities for fundraising support at this time: unrestricted giving, the Campaign for Students, the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, and global initiatives.
Can I give to MIT by bank wire transfer?
Absolutely! It is important to notify MIT in advance of initiating a bank wire transfer, though, so that when your gift arrives, we can properly credit it to your giving record. Read instructions for making bank wire transfers in U.S. or foreign currencies.
Can I make my gift by electronic funds transfer?
Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is a way of giving that allows you to have funds automatically transferred from your checking account to MIT on a monthly or quarterly recurring basis. Instructions for setting up such a transaction are found here.
How can I make a gift in memory of someone?
Many people choose to give to MIT in memory—or in honor—of a family member, classmate, faculty member, or friend. These gifts may be directed to a specific MIT program or fund, or their use may be left to the discretion of the Institute. When making such a gift, be sure to indicate the name of the person being remembered or honored. Read more….
We sometimes receive requests to accept gifts in the form of objects of value or scientific interest. Before we can accept any such in-kind contribution, however, we must find a home for that item at the Institute. To determine whether—and how—MIT might make use of an item you are thinking about donating, please contact the Office of the Recording Secretary to discuss the possibility.
How can I find out if my company has a matching gift program?
Many companies do indeed match gifts made to MIT. To find out more about your company’s matching gift program, use our online matching gift company search, or contact your human resources or benefits office.
Where can I find instructions for making a stock gift to MIT?
Gifts of appreciated securities or mutual funds allow donors to minimize U.S. capital gains taxes. Instructions for transferring shares vary depending on whether your stock certificates are held by you or by a bank or broker.
I want to support my school or department. How can I do this?
Gifts can indeed be designated toward a School or department’s general use funds, or toward a particular initiative within a School. Find out who to talk to about your School or department’s top current funding priorities. A gift to your School or department will be credited in the Annual Fund.
What is the Institute’s tax identification number?
Our tax identification number is 04-2103594. MIT is a 501(c)(3) institution, and your gift is tax-deductible within the limitations of U.S. federal income tax laws.
What are the tax advantages of making a gift to MIT?
There are significant tax benefits associated with many kinds of gifts to MIT. Please review specific information for the type of gift you are contemplating in the “Ways to give” section of this Web site.
What kind of gift to MIT would offer me the greatest tax advantage?
Each donor’s situation is unique. Although the “Ways to give” area outlines many of the tax benefits of giving to MIT, you should consult with your tax advisor to determine which type of gift would offer the greatest tax advantage for you.
It’s true: When you make a charitable donation, you’re likely to encounter a lot of specialized terminology. Here’s a brief definition of an endowed fund; and here’s one of an expendable fund. For help in deciphering more of the lingo of philanthropy, check out our glossary of giving terms.
Annual Fund
The MIT Annual Fund is the annual solicitation effort conducted by the MIT Alumni Association, and is similar to the annual funds operated by other philanthropic organizations. The Annual Fund campaign runs annually from July 1 to June 30. Each year, the Fund credits the first $100,000 of any gift from all alumni for any purpose. Total gifts to MIT over the course of the year, thus, far exceed the dollars reported in the Fund. Other components of the MIT Annual Fund include gifts from non-alumni parents; gifts from widows, widowers, and other friends; and corporate matching gifts.
What do gifts to the MIT Annual Fund support?
Gifts to all purposes are included in the MIT Annual Fund. Alumni may designate their gifts however they choose, but most elect to support one or more of MIT’s top fundraising priorities—such as unrestricted giving, the Campaign for Students, the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, or global initiatives.. Other popular areas of support include Schools or academic departments, and class projects.
What is the deadline for my gift to be included in this year’s Annual Fund total?
The Annual Fund year runs from July 1 through June 30.
How does gift crediting work at MIT?
Every gift you make to the Institute will be credited to your personal giving record, your class or graduate department, your reunion gift (where applicable), and the MIT Annual Fund (up to $100,000 per fiscal year). Read examples of how gift crediting works. Note that matching gifts are also credited to your record for the fiscal year in which they are received.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone! As long as they are made in the fiscal year of your reunion (ending on June 30), all gifts from members of your class are counted in the reunion gift total. In some reunion years, pledges may also be included, as set forth in MIT’s reunion gift crediting rules. Gifts and pledges must be made before the weekend of your reunion if they are to be included in the class reunion gift total announced at the Technology Day luncheon.
Will my spouse and I both get credit for this gift?
Only you, as the donor, will receive gift credit unless you inform MIT that you would like to split the credit with your spouse. In this case, and when both spouses are Institute alumni, each will receive Annual Fund credit. Further, donor recognition will be based on total household giving. For example, if a $1,000 gift is split equally between Jane and John Alumni-Donor, Mr. and Mrs. Alumni-Donor will each be credited with making a $500 gift, and they will both be recognized as WBRS Associates, based on their total household gift of $1,000. Alumni with non-alumni spouses may also request that gift credit be split, or that their spouse be included in donor recognition listings. Gifts from non-alumni are included in the Annual Fund dollar total; however, non-alumni spouses are not included in the total count of alumni donors.
Gifts made directly to fraternities, sororities, or independent living groups (FSILGs), although extremely valuable to the individual chapters, are not credited as gifts to either MIT or to the Annual Fund. Donors may support the FSILG system and have their gift count as a gift to MIT by designating it to the Independent Residence Development Fund (IRDF). Gifts to the IRDF—unlike direct gifts to most of the individual houses—are tax-deductible, and are far more likely to qualify for matching gift programs.
Planned giving (trusts, gift annuities, bequests)
What are “planned gifts,” and why are they so popular?
Planned gifts include trusts, gift annuities, and bequests. When you contribute to a trust or gift annuity, you and/or your beneficiaries will receive payments for life or for a pre-specified term of years. This is an attractive option for donors who are looking for ways to provide an annual income to someone over the age of 55, while still making a substantial gift to MIT. Bequests allow donors to help MIT in the long term, while still retaining the assets during their lifetimes. All types of planned gifts provide considerable tax advantages. Read more….
What are the tax advantages of planned gifts and bequests?
One advantage can be an income tax deduction in the year of the gift. Also, if you contribute marketable securities, you might significantly reduce your capital gains tax. In addition, planned gifts allow a donor to reduce the value of his or her taxable estate. Read more….
How can MIT help me with gift planning (planned gifts, bequests)?
We invite you to contact MIT’s Office of Gift Planning directly, if you wish. The staff there are happy to help you explore different ways of making a planned gift to MIT, and can be reached by phone at 617.253.6463, or by e-mail at gift_planning@mit.edu.
I would like to remember MIT in my will. What language should I use to include MIT in my will/trust?
Sample bequest language for you and your legal advisor is provided here.
If you have additional questions, please contact us.
