University of Illinois Foundation
At the University of Illinois FoundationWe encourage and administer private gifts that further the University of Illinois’ mission.More about usMake a Gift
Ways to GiveOnline
Using a credit card or digital wallet is one of the most common ways to support the University of Illinois. Your one‑time or recurring contribution enables the university to meet immediate needs. You can make a one‑time or recurring gift of any size using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
EFT
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is a secure way to deliver recurring monthly or quarterly gifts directly to the University of Illinois Foundation. Your bank disburses funds automatically according to your instructions or until you decide to stop.
EFT Authorization FormMake a one‑time gift of any size by check or money order payable to the “University of Illinois Foundation.” Please include a short note (or memo on your check) stating the purpose or designation of your gift. You can send your check via USPS, FedEx, or UPS. For the security of your gift, please do not send cash.
Real Estate & Farmland
When you give the University of Illinois appreciated property you have held for longer than one year, you qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction, and you may minimize or eliminate capital gains tax.
Learn MoreWills and Living Trusts
You can make a gift that will support the University of Illinois while having the flexibility to change your will if life circumstances change.
Learn MoreBeneficiary Designations
Your flexibility is increased when you designate the University of Illinois as a beneficiary of your IRAs and retirement plans, life insurance policies, donor‑advised funds, or commercial annuities.
Learn MoreIRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
If you are 70½ years old or older, you can give any amount (up to a maximum of $105,000 this year) from your IRA directly to benefit of the University of Illinois without having to pay income taxes on the money.
Learn MoreAppreciated Securities
When you donate appreciated securities or mutual funds to support the University of Illinois mission, you can reduce or even eliminate federal capital gains taxes on the transfer.
Learn MorePayroll Deduction
Payroll deduction is an easy way for University of Illinois employees to make gifts directly from a paycheck. You instruct the university to withhold a minimum contribution of $5 per paycheck for a period of time or until you instruct us to discontinue the withholding. Please download and open this form in Adobe.
Payroll Deduction FormFounder’s Pledge
The Founders’ Pledge is a non‑binding personal commitment to make a future gift to the University of Illinois reflective of your success and the success of your venture.
Learn MoreCharitable Gift Annuities
With a charitable gift annuity, you agree to make a gift to the University of Illinois. In return, the Foundation agrees to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount for the rest of your life.
Learn MoreCharitable Remainder Trusts
A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals with income each year for life or a term not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create. At the end of the trust term, the balance benefits the University of Illinois.
Learn MoreDonor‑Advised Funds
A donor‑advised fund gives you the flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is donated to the University of Illinois Foundation. You can recommend a grant or recurring grants now to make an immediate impact or use your fund as a tool for future charitable giving.
Learn MoreCharitable Lead Trusts
When you set up a charitable lead trust, you transfer assets to a trust that makes payments to the University of Illinois for a period of time. When the term is up, the remaining trust passes to your family or other selected beneficiaries.
Learn MoreRetirement Plan Assets
The most popular ways to gift retirement fund assets to the University of Illinois are through beneficiary designations, smart giving from your IRA, contributing from your donor‑advised fund, or establishing a charitable remainder trust.
Learn MoreLife Insurance Policies
Your life insurance policy can become a meaningful way to support the University of Illinois. You can designate the university as the primary beneficiary for a percentage or specific amount. You can also name the University of Illinois Foundation as the owner and beneficiary of an existing or new policy.
Learn MoreClosely Held Business Stock
You can make a gift of closely held stock if the constituting documentation for the business permits additional owners and it is debt‑free.
Learn MoreTangible Personal Property
Your valuable antiques, stamp and coin collections, works of art, cars, boats, and other personal property can make a suitable gift for the University of Illinois today or after your lifetime.
Learn MoreEndowed Gifts
An endowment gift to the University of Illinois Foundation today provides a brighter picture for our future. When you make a donation to an endowment, you give a gift with both immediate and long‑term benefits.
Learn MoreScholarships
By establishing a scholarship or contributing to an existing fund, you can transform someone’s future.
Learn MoreMemorials & Tributes
If you have a loved one who has been impacted by the University of Illinois, establishing a memorial or tribute gift is a meaningful way to honor them or celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary.
Learn MorePlan a Gift
Plan today to changelives tomorrow
By naming the University of Illinois in your will or other estate plan, you will create a tremendous impact on students, faculty, research, programming, and outreach efforts in the future. The staff in the Office of Gift Planned Giving is happy to help you explore how a planned gift might help you achieve your financial and philanthropic goals.
Learn more about Gift PlanningFinancials
$90+ Million
Distributed to the U of I System
$461.0 Million
FY24 New Business
$2.99 Billion
UIF Active Endowment
10.6% Return
On FY24 Endowment
$250+ Million
From Alumni and Friends
$90+ Million
Distributed to the U of I System
$461.0 Million
FY24 New Business
$2.99 Billion
UIF Active Endowment
10.6% Return
On FY24 Endowment
$250+ Million
From Alumni and Friends
$90+ Million
Distributed to the U of I System
News & Stories
We’re thrilled to share our latest updates and the inspiring donor stories that have transformed the University of Illinois.
Donor Generosity Fuels Strong FY24 Financial Report
November 05, 2024 11:33 AMCash and new business both exceed $450 million for the first time and the Foundation’s active endowment grows to $2.99 billion.
The University of Illinois Foundation Celebrates New Philanthropy Center with Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
June 26, 2024 12:00 AMUIF held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony to celebrate its new headquarters, the University of Illinois Philanthropy Center.
Important Year‑End Giving Announcement
December 10, 2024 04:41 PMFoundation staff will promptly process all contributions received during December and will be monitoring phone and email messages during the holiday break, should assistance be needed with a year‑end gift intention.
Inaugural Foundation to Success scholarship recipients announced
November 25, 2024 02:51 PMSerrahn, Larson, and Gorczowski awarded the Foundation to Success scholarship.
Three Governing Directors join Board, three move to Life status
November 25, 2024 02:39 PMUIF welcomed three new Board members during Foundation Weekend.
Donor Generosity Fuels Strong FY24 Financial Report
November 05, 2024 11:33 AMCash and new business both exceed $450 million for the first time and the Foundation’s active endowment grows to $2.99 billion.
The University of Illinois Foundation Celebrates New Philanthropy Center with Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
June 26, 2024 12:00 AMUIF held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony to celebrate its new headquarters, the University of Illinois Philanthropy Center.
Important Year‑End Giving Announcement
December 10, 2024 04:41 PMFoundation staff will promptly process all contributions received during December and will be monitoring phone and email messages during the holiday break, should assistance be needed with a year‑end gift intention.
Inaugural Foundation to Success scholarship recipients announced
November 25, 2024 02:51 PMSerrahn, Larson, and Gorczowski awarded the Foundation to Success scholarship.
Three Governing Directors join Board, three move to Life status
November 25, 2024 02:39 PMUIF welcomed three new Board members during Foundation Weekend.
Donor Generosity Fuels Strong FY24 Financial Report
November 05, 2024 11:33 AMCash and new business both exceed $450 million for the first time and the Foundation’s active endowment grows to $2.99 billion.
The University of Illinois Foundation Celebrates New Philanthropy Center with Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
June 26, 2024 12:00 AMUIF held a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony to celebrate its new headquarters, the University of Illinois Philanthropy Center.