Endowments
Whether supporting our students, faculty, research or education programs, a gift of endowment is the best way to ensure that your support will extend for years to come. When you create an endowment, the principal gift is invested, and each year a portion of the income generated goes toward the designated purpose.
Because gifts of endowment provide the Nicholas School with regular, guaranteed income, these gifts allow the school to plan for the future with greater certainty than otherwise possible. Endowment levels start at $100,000 and can be established to support scholarships and fellowships, faculty chairs, research and programs.
To discuss establishing an endowment, please contact: Kevin McCarthy, Associate Dean, Development & Alumni Relations.
Annual Fund
Annual Fund support helps make everything that happens at the Nicholas School possible. By bringing together gifts of all sizes from alumni, friends, faculty and staff, the Nicholas School Annual Fund exponentially increases the power of each individual to make a meaningful difference.
When you give to the Nicholas School Annual Fund, you help provide a steady stream of flexible resources that can be allocated toward financial aid for our students, educational technology and tools, field trips, internships, curriculum development, career services and more. You can even designate your gift to support a specific program such as the Marine Lab or Duke Forest.
Annual gifts of all sizes are welcomed and appreciated. The Nicholas School recognizes leadership annual contributors at the Summit Society level ($1,000+), the Blue Sky level ($10,000+) or the Blue Sky-Vanguard level ($25,000+) with special recognition and invitations to exclusive events.
Ways to Give
The Nicholas School accepts many types of donations and offers a wide range of giving opportunities. Your gift also can be a useful financial planning tool. We invite you to talk with us about your personal areas of interest and preferred giving level, so we can find the perfect giving opportunity for you.
Donate Money
Credit Card
Donate via our secure giving site. On the giving site, you will have options for one-time or recurring gifts for any time period. This is quickest and easiest way to give!
Check
Please print a pledge card and mail it with your check.
Bank Draft
Call (919) 684-2338 to authorize a one-time or recurring bank draft from your checking account.
Electronic Transfer
Call (919) 684-2338 to set up a wire transfer or a transfer via the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH), which may have lower fees than a traditional wire transfer.
Payroll Deduction (Duke employees only)
Duke employees can make charitable contributions by payroll deduction through Duke@WORK under MyPay.
Donate Property
Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
Donate via our stock donation form.
Personal property
Computers or laboratory equipment, artwork, athletic event tickets and other types of donations are welcome. Call (919) 684-2338 to discuss a donation of personal property.
Real estate
We can accept full or fractional interest in many types of property. Learn more about this option and call (919) 684-2338 to discuss your options.
Make a Planned Gift
Bequests and gifts of retirement plans
You can leave money to Duke in your will or revocable (living) trust. You can also name Duke as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, which could enable you to make a larger gift than anticipated because no taxes are imposed when such assets are distributed to Duke. Find sample language and more information.
Life income gift
These types of gifts offer an income tax deduction while providing you and your loved ones with income for the duration of your lives or for a specific number of years. Learn more.
Charitable lead trust
This type of trust allows you to transfer assets at a reduced tax liability. The tax savings could allow you to donate to Duke at little or no cost to your heirs in terms of ultimate inheritance. Learn more.
Retained life estate in property
You can gift real estate to Duke while retaining the right to use the property during your lifetime. This generates an income tax deduction and removes the property from your taxable estate. Contact our gift planning staff for more information.
Contact Us
To discuss giving options and find the best fit for you, contact:
Kevin McCarthy
Associate Dean, Office of Development & Alumni Relations
(919) 613-8003
kevin.p.mccarthy@duke.edu
The Impact of Your Gift
Even small gifts can make a big difference. Read our 2018 report to learn how your gift can advance research and education in service of the environment.