Frequently Asked Questions about Giving

The following questions are among those most commonly asked by prospective donors to the Smith School. For more information, or to arrange a confidential discussion, please e-mail or call one of our development staff.

Do I have different options in making a gift to the Smith School?

You may choose the type of asset (cash or non-cash) to contribute, the giving method (direct or planned), and the initiative you would like to support (a fund, program, scholarship, department, and so on).

May I pledge a gift and spread it out over a period of time?

You may pledge a gift of $5,000 or more and pay for it over a maximum five-year term.

May I make a gift to recognize or memorialize someone?

Yes, you may make your gift in recognition of a special loved one, friend, or colleague, or to memorialize someone who is deceased. For more information or a confidential discussion, please e-mail or call one of our development staff.

Is my gift tax deductible?

All gifts to the Robert H. Smith School of Business are tax deductible.

How can I make a gift that will last forever as a tribute to someone?

You may endow your gift so that it lives in perpetuity. The gift's principal will be invested soundly and a percentage of the income generated will be designated as you wish. For more information or a confidential discussion, please e-mail or call one of our development staff.

How can I give online?

Gifts to our annual fund, the Robert H. Smith School of Business Smith School Annual Fund may be made online quickly and securely. For other types of gifts such as establishing a scholarship or professorship and estate gifts, please e-mail or call one of our development staff.

May I make a gift through my estate or will?

There are numerous ways to use your estate as a means to take care of loved ones after you're gone, while realizing your philanthropic goals. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations is happy to work with you, your attorney, and financial advisors regarding bequests. For more personalized information or a confidential discussion, please e-mail or call one of our development staff.

Are there other tax breaks or income-producing opportunities for me through my gift?

There are various ways of structuring your gift whereby you will be provided with a stream of income in addition to a tax break. Please contact your finance or tax professional directly, please e-mail or call one of our development staff.

The University of Maryland is a state institution and receives public funding. Does my tax money and tuition cover your costs?

Over the last three decades, national and state funding for higher education has decreased steadily. Currently, support from the state of Maryland provides less than 26 percent of the university’s annual operating budget.

I was an MBA at the Smith School. How can I financially support the Smith School as an alumnus?

There are a variety of ways that you can contribute to the growth of the Smith School, including cash gifts, appreciated securities, real or personal properties, bequest, life insurance, and charitable remainder trusts. In each case we will work closely with you to determine how the gift can help accomplish your philanthropic goals. You can find more specific information about each type of gift in the Ways of Giving section of this website.

How should I make my gift to Smith School?

Credit card gifts can be made online or by calling the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 301-405-9456.

Checks should be made out to University of Maryland College Park Foundation, with a notation that the gift is designated to the Smith School of Business. Also indicate the area where you are directing your gift, which may include

• Smith School Annual Fund, which is directed to areas of greatest need.
• Scholarship Fund for Undergraduates, MBAs or general use,
• Facilities Fund

This may be done in the check memo or in a signed note or letter accompanying the check.

Checks and completed Smith School Giving Forms should be mailed to:

Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Robert H. Smith School of Business
4570 Van Munching Hall
College Park, MD 20742

THANK YOU! It’s largely because of generous alumni and friends like you that the Smith School can recruit and retain the world’s leading faculty experts, provide scholarships and a first-tier business education to talented students, and graduate the next generation of business leaders who serve their organizations and communities.