Ways to Make a Gift

There are many ways to show your support for the University of Miami. Choose the one that fits your style and where to designate your gift. The University of Miami Development and Alumni Relations staff will work with you to ensure that your gift meets your goals and financial needs while also benefiting the University.

Give By Check or Cash

The most traditional and common way in which to support the University of Miami is with a gift of cash. If you would like to make a gift of cash, please make your check payable to the University of Miami, and mail it, along with a short letter stating the purpose of your gift, to the following address:

University of Miami
Division of Development and Alumni Relations
Post Office Box 025388
Miami, Florida 33102

Your gift, no matter the amount, will help ensure that the University of Miami will continue to be a strong educational asset for our students, and a vital resource for our community.

Thank you for considering a gift to the University of Miami.

Give By Credit Card

The easiest and most convenient way to make a contribution is by credit card. The on-line giving form is fast, safe, and secure. The University accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

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  • All donors receive a gift receipt to use for tax purposes; and, to recognize our appreciation for different levels of giving, UM has established a donor recognition program.
  • These donations help UM to make a lasting impact in our local communities as well as around the globe.

Community Involvement:

Holding an Event

Another exciting way to show your support for the University of Miami is to name the U as a beneficiary of an event that you will be hosting. We're thrilled by the possibility of partnering with you and appreciate your commitment to building the thriving future of our institution.

To ensure that our missions align, please complete the application form . In it, we ask that you share your vision for the event and why you feel the University of Miami is the best partner for your fundraiser. Please note that applications should be submitted a minimum of 90 days prior to the event for review by the University’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations. We’ll be sure to respond within 14 business days once we have your application in hand. We can’t wait to read your application, are grateful for your interest in the University of Miami, and look forward to connecting with you soon.

Securities

Gifts of stock and bonds are welcomed at the University of Miami; however, these gifts require special planning and consultation with your professional financial advisor and the University of Miami staff. The University recommends that donors who have decided to make a gift of stock contact Patricia McGraw in Gift Intake at 305-284-5892/ pmcgraw@miami.edu. Transfer instructions will be provided.

Gifts of appreciated securities typically carry benefits not associated with gifts made by check, cash or credit card:

  • You avoid capital gains tax. Any gain is taxable if you sell stock or mutual fund shares yourself, but not if you transfer ownership to the University.
  • Your charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes is based on the full, fair market value of the shares on the date the gift is made.
  • You receive credit from UM for the full fair market value of the shares, but the cost to you is only your original purchase price.

For more information about the benefits, visit our Estate and Gift Planning pages, or contact the Office of Estate and Gift Planning at (800) 529-6935.

Gifts of Tangible Personal Property

The University of Miami is pleased to accept gifts of tangible personal property that address a specific need and comply with the mission and policies of the University. Beginning with the donation of land by George E. Merrick, and including some recent gifts of art and computer software, the University has been strengthened by non-cash contributions throughout its 75-year history.

Because of the unique circumstances surrounding gifts of personal property, this process is inevitably much longer and more complex than it is for other contributions to UM. Donors are encouraged to call the Advancement Office at (305) 284-2888 to discuss a possible gift.

Donor-Advised Fund

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a simple and tax-smart way to streamline and centralize your charitable giving. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a DAF, you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. The contributed funds are then invested for tax-free growth, and you can recommend grants to any IRS-qualified public charity, including the University of Miami. Opening a DAF account allows you flexibility to make donations to all the causes you support.

If you don’t already have a DAF, the University of Miami, in partnership with BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund, now offers its own DAF. The University of Miami Donor-Advised Fund is a great way to formalize your support and commitment to the U and other qualified charities and receive tax benefits. Once you fund your account with an irrevocable gift, you can make grants to the University or any other qualified charity on your own timetable.

If you already have a DAF established, remember that you can always support the University of Miami with a grant recommendation from your account. You can also leave a legacy gift by designating the University as the beneficiary of your DAF upon your passing, if there are any funds remaining.

If you would like more information on setting up a DAF to support organizations important to you, such as the U, click here.