FAQs About Giving
General Gift Planning Corporate & Foundations Parents Fund
General FAQs
Why Support UAlbany?
New York State provides only 18% of the cost of an education from the University at Albany. Times have changed since the days of state supported tuition and that’s why your support is so critical.
Can I designate where my gift goes?
Absolutely! You can make a general donation or decide where you want your gift to go -- an academic program, interest, scholarship, endowment -- any element of University life.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes, all UAlbany Fund gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Can I safely make a pledge or gift online?
Online gifts are immediate and safe! The University has a secured online giving form.
Is it possible to give stock to UAlbany?
Many people find it attractive to support the University through a gift of stock. Please see the instructions below under "Gift Planning FAQs" for details.
Can I make a gift in honor of someone?
You can make a gift in memory or in honor of a relative, student, teacher or friend.
What is the UAlbany Fund?
The University at Albany’s Annual Fund seeks support from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the University for its operational fund. This support goes toward the tuition dollars that are not met by state support.
How are donors recognized?
Donors are recognized through the University’s Donor Relations office. They are listed annually in the UAlbany magazine and through recognition in several Donor Societies.
How can I update my information?
Contact rtrinci@uamail.albany.edu
Gift Planning FAQs
Many people find it attractive to support the University through a gift of stock. If you transfer stock that has been held for more than a year and which has appreciated in value, the Foundation can sell the stock and you will avoid tax on the gain. If your stock has been held for more than a year but it has decreased in value, it may be more advantageous for you to sell the stock and give cash to the Foundation.
We recommend that you speak with a member of the University Advancement staff before transferring stock to the Foundation.
Procedures for Stock Gifts
The following methods may be used for transferring stock to the Foundation:
If you hold the stock certificate in your name, it may be delivered or mailed to the Foundation. To make the stock certificate negotiable, it needs to be endorsed by the owner. We recommend that stock certificates not be endorsed on the back but rather that a stock power form be used for endorsement purposes. Brokerage firms and banks usually have blank stock power forms and we do as well. Endorsement requires a signature Medallion guaranteed by an authorized officer of a brokerage firm or bank that is registered by the S.E.C. When using a stock power form, fill in only the signature(s) and the date at the bottom.
If the stock is held in a brokerage account ("street name"), you may either ask the broker to mail the certificate to the Foundation or have it transferred electronically to our brokerage account via the Depository Trust Company (DTC). Please note that the Foundation maintains accounts with several brokerage firms and it is possible that we may have an account with your broker. This would make the transfer easier. For information on our account and broker, please contact our office.
Whether you hold the stock certificate or it is in a brokerage account, you may send the certificate to the stock transfer agent (usually a bank) and ask that the stock be re-registered into the name of the Foundation and have the transfer agent mail the stock certificate to the Foundation or to our broker.
If giving fractional shares, the University at Albany Foundation can assist you with your gift.
If giving Mutual Fund shares, please contact us before taking action since the Foundation also has existing accounts with several mutual fund groups and a transfer of shares may be accomplished more easily. For information contact Richard P. Ingles, J.D., Director of Gift Planning, ringles@uamail.albany.edu, or call toll free 888-226-5600.
Corporate & Foundations FAQs
What do Corporations and Foundations Give?
Gifts from corporations and foundations take many forms, often depending on the donor's interests and the University's needs. While some companies give cash, others make gifts of equipment and software to upgrade teaching and research laboratories and faculty offices. The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations can assist with the grant process. (See Contact Us)
Who should I contact to inquire about a corporate or foundation donation?
Please contact:
Penelope Benson-Wright
Director, Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations
University at Albany
UAB 209
Albany, NY 12222
518-437-4978 or e-mail pbensonwright@uamail.albany.edu
Are gifts tax deductible?
Gifts are fully tax deductible in the year they are made. If appreciated securities or other property are given, the charitable tax deduction is based on the market value, not the cost basis. While the value is determined by the giver, UAlbany’s stewardship office will be pleased to acknowledge gifts through appropriate IRS forms.
Parents Fund FAQs
What is the Mission of the Parents Fund?
To enhance the quality of student life in ways that will complement the academic experience and to provide funds that maintain the margin of excellence for which the University at Albany has been long recognized.
What is the UAlbany Parents Program?
UAlbany parents are as much a part of the UAlbany family as are our students. Many parents support the University with an investment in a school or program of interest, the University Libraries, or Great Danes Athletics. There’s also an annual Parents Fund project that is a natural expression of parents’ trust and belief in UAlbany’s greatness. Gifts made by both current UAlbany parents and parents emeriti are investments, not only in their children’s UAlbany experiences, but in the legacy of their children’s achievements.
The Division of Student Affairs at UAlbany has dedicated staff to assist parents, provide support, and answer any questions parents may have about student life here at the University.
Why Give?
Tuition, dormitory fees, and state assistance provide less than half the revenue needed to cover the University’s annual operating costs. Research funding and private support help make up the difference. The unrestricted money contributed by parents enable the University to enhance its already strong academic programs.
Parents Fund contributions go toward specific programs: they give the University the flexibility to better serve the students, address unexpected needs, and capitalize on new and exciting opportunities. In short, these contributions allow the University to stay competitive. Gifts to the Parents Fund directly benefit and support your child.
When and how will I be contacted?
At the beginning of each school year, parents are mailed a postcard containing information regarding that year’s goals for the Parents Fund, along with useful information for the upcoming academic year. A reminder is included letting you know that you should expect a call from a student caller in our calling center during the Fall semester. Please feel free to contact us if you do not receive a postcard or a phone call. It is important to us that we are able to keep in touch with you!
How is my gift used to benefit my child?
Recent gifts to the Parents Fund have been used to provide an Outdoor Leadership Challenge Course, as well as on campus late night alternate activities. Future initiatives include funding for scholarships and academic projects. You may also choose to designate your gift to a particular area of interest or traditional area of Parents Fund support.
How can I get more information about the Parents Fund?
Please contact Chrissie Carino, Assistant Director of Annual Giving, at (518) 442-3230 or ccarino@uamail.albany.edu.