Giving FAQs

 We want to be certain that you have all the information that you need to make an informed philanthropic decision.  

If your question does not appear in this list, please contact us at giving@gwu.edu or call 1-800-789-2611, and we will happily assist you with the information that you require.

 

General Questions

How do I make a gift to GW?

The George Washington University can accept gifts via many different methods.  Listed below are the most common through which you can make your gift.

  • Online gifts- GW's secure online giving form is the easiest and quickest way to make your gift.
  • Gifts by mail or phone- mail your gift to:
            The George Washington University
            Annual Fund
            2100 M Street, NW
            Suite 310
            Washington, DC  20052
    Please make checks payable to The George Washington University.
  • Charge your gift to Mastercard, Visa, or American Express by calling 1-800-789-2611.
  • Gifts of Stock or Securities- Contributing securities or appreciated stocks and bonds is a tax-wise way to show support of GW. You can make a difference by electronic transfer or by certificate. Please call 1-800-789-2611 for more information.
  • Gifts of Real Estate- There are many options for donating your home, second home, commercial building, raw land, farm, or other real estate to GW. There may be a gift plan available that will help you achieve your charitable and financial goals with a gift of real estate. Learn more about the many ways you can help GW with a gift of real estate.
  • Planned Giving- Our estate planning options allow you to support GW while often securing favorable tax treatment.  Learn more about your options.

Back to Top

Where can I give?
You may designate your contribution to any of GW's schools, programs, libraries, special initiatives, scholarship funds, or endowments.  If you would like help in matching your interests to a gift program, please look over our giving opportunities, or call us at 1-800-789-2611.

 

Endowments

What are the minimum endowment levels to establish and name an endowed fund?
The minimum gift required to establish a named endowment fund is $100,000. Endowment gifts can be pledged and paid over a period of up to 5 years. For more information about naming scholarships, fellowships, professorships, or lectureships, please contact Jennifer Riordan, senior director of Stewardship, at jriordan@gwu.edu or (202) 994-9432.

Can I choose what my endowment supports?
Yes, a number of donors to George Washington University choose to restrict how their funds can be used.  You can designate your gift to support a particular school or program, special initiative, library, or other opportunity at the University.  Please contact Jennifer Riordan, senior director of Stewardship, at jriordan@gwu.edu or (202) 994-9432 to review your options.

Once established, can I continue to give to my fund?
Yes, unless you state otherwise in your memorandum of understanding when the gift is established, the fund can be left "open" to future gifts from you or other individuals who choose to support the fund.

When will an endowment begin generating payout that can be spent?
Once the initial gift has been received, the minimum required funding levels have been achieved, and all required paperwork has been completed, initial payout funds will become available within 2 to 3 months.  Some exceptions may apply.

Back to Endowments

What percentage of endowment earnings are spent?
The amount of earnings that are spent each year varies because it is based on the market value of the endowment.  The average spending rate for the past 5 years has been approximately 5%.

What is a quasi-endowment?
Quasi endowment funds are funds functioning as an endowment that are established by the institution from either donor or institutional funds, and will be retained and invested rather than expended.  The quasi endowment must retain the purpose and intent as specified by the donor or source of the original funds, and earnings may be expended only for those purposes.  Since they are established by the institution rather than by an external source, the principal may be expended as stipulated by the donor.

What is an "underwater" endowment?
An endowment fund is "underwater" when its market value falls below the value of the original gift(s) to the institution.

What is GW's policy for endowed funds? Is there a policy for spending from underwater funds?
Federal and state legislation provides guidance and authority to charitable organizations concerning the management and investment of funds held by the organization. In 43 states and the District of Columbia, the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) governs the spending policies and protects the interests of donors who want to see their contributions used wisely.  The UPMIFA provides institutions with the legal authority to make prudent expenditures despite having endowment funds which have asset value below their original value (underwater funds).  The George Washington University currently follows UPMIFA's prudent spending policy.

Back to Endowments

How often is endowment payout distributed?
Endowment payout is distributed monthly.

Will GW reinvest the payout to help my fund grow?
Endowment payout may be reinvested into the corpus of the fund at the donor's request, if the fund does not meet minimum required funding levels or at the discretion of the University.

What does GW's endowment provide for?
The 1,100 individual endowments that comprise The George Washington University's consolidated pooled endowment provide perpetual funding for instructional and research support, professorships, scholarships, and facilities.

What is the value of GW's endowment and how is it invested?
Thanks to careful financial stewardship and the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends, the endowment grew more than fivefold from 1988 to 2008. It held a value of $1.256 billion as of June 30, 2008. To learn more about the endowment, visit GW's Investment Office webpage.

Back to Endowments

How does the endowment increase in value?
While investment returns help to fuel the growth of GW's endowment, the addition and appreciation of gifts are more important over the long term. Regular, recurring contributions effectively lower the endowment's cost basis, reduce risk and enhance performance. Over time, market volatility "averages out" as the fund increases in value.

What is the recent history of GW endowments?
During the past five years, 201 new endowments were created with almost $90 million in gifts and transfers. GW pools these individual endowments for investment purposes, with the goal of preserving and enhancing the endowment's purchasing power while providing a relatively stable source of income to meet the University's needs. In fiscal year 2008, the endowment provided $49 million for GW's activities.

Back to Top

 

Faculty and Staff Campaign

Where have faculty and staff given to in the past?
You are welcome and encouraged to make your gift to any area you wish, designations options are listed on the pledge form for your convenience.

How much should I give?
You determine amount of your gift according to your own charitable interests, your personal willingness to give, and your financial capacity. No gift is too small. It's your participation in the effort that matters most.

Donors who contribute $1,000 or more within a fiscal year will be recognized as members of the Luther Rice Society, one of the University's most prestigious recognition societies.  The Luther Rice Society has a number of benefits and events for its members, to read more visit their website.

How can I give?
There are many ways to make a gift to GW. You can make your gift via:

  • Payroll deduction
  • Check (Payable to The George Washington University)
  • Credit/debit card
  • Appreciated securities and bonds
  • Bequests
  • Life insurance

Use the payroll deduction form to make your gift today, or contact the GW Annual Fund at giving@gwu.edu or 202-994-5303.

How does payroll deduction work?
Payroll deduction is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to make your gift. By completing the payroll deduction form, you may specify the amount to have automatically deducted from each paycheck and where your support should be designated. Your gift will be split over 12 or 26 pay periods, depending on your personal pay schedule, making it very easy to give your gift incrementally over time.

Who will know about my gift?
Participation in the campaign is your choice. You will be recognized in the Annual Donor report as a supporter of GW.  Also, you will receive a receipt for your gift, but the amount will remain confidential to others. If you wish to keep your gift entirely anonymous, you may indicate so on the pledge form.

Can I make a gift jointly with my spouse/significant other?
Of course. It is your choice whether to make your gift as an individual or a couple. Additionally, your spouse/significant other may work for or be a retiree from a company that matches philanthropic gifts made by their employees. Check our matching gifts search form or with the human resources department of his/her company to see if you could double your gift to GW.

Back to Top

Colonial Connection Student Callers

Who are the Colonial Callers?
The GW Colonial Callers are student fundraisers who contact alumni to update demographic information, keep alumni connected to the University, and solicit monetary gifts to support students through academic programs, scholarships, and student life.

When do I have to work?
Callers are required to work a minimum of 3 shifts per week. You will make your own schedule, and choose from the following shifts:

  • Monday – Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

What's so great about this job?

  • Colonial Callers have flexible shift selection based on student schedules.
  • There is opportunity for advancement, and earning raises is easy!
  • On top of the high pay rate, you can earn bonuses every shift.
  • Spending time on the phone gives you a chance to connect and network with alumni.
  • All employees are GW students, so the Colonial Connection is a fun place to work!

How much money am I going to make?
Colonial Callers start at a base salary of $10.50 and may begin earning raises upon hire for up to $11.75 an hour. In addition, Callers receive bonuses for performing well on the job.

Where is the Colonial Connection?
The call center is located at 2100 M Street, Suite 309, just a few blocks from the Marvin Center. The building is secure, and the calling room holds 40 callers.

Will you train me?
Yes, of course! You will be ready to get on the phones once you've completed the three-part training, which is conducted in the evenings over the course of one week. Acceptance into the training program does not guarantee employment at the Colonial Connection.

Who are you looking for?
We are looking for students from diverse backgrounds. There is no particular mold, so well spoken students from all majors, ethnicities, minority groups, nationalities, and levels of previous experience are encouraged to apply. The Colonial Connection fits in particularly well for students with interests in philanthropy, marketing, communications, alumni relations, networking, University development, GW school spirit, and student life.

How do I apply?
Complete the online application form.

What if I have further questions?
Send an email to top@gwu.edu or call 202-994-7127.

Back to Top