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WesternU / Giving / More Than Just a Gift Fee

More Than Just a Gift Fee

Gift Fee Facts

66%

of surveyed institutions use gift fees. (CASE)

3-15%

is the average range of gift fees for institutions (Marts & Lundy)

What Are Gift fees?

Western University of Health Sciences currently allocates 8% of all gifts and pledge payments to the University’s overall operations to ensure that gifts and pledges are appropriately and efficiently allocated to sustaining and expanding our long-term goals and mission to advance health care education and research.

Gift Fee FAQs

  • What is the gift fee?

    The gift fee is an 8% contribution of all gifts to assist development activities in support of WesternU’s educational, research and service mission.
  • How will the gift fee help Western University of Health Sciences?

    The gift fee will improve capacity to grow private giving for WesternU and to reach out to more alumni, friends and business partners for philanthropic support.
  • How will the gift fee be applied?

    An overhead fee of 8% will be assessed on all charitable gifts to the University. This fee will be deducted from the contribution before the remaining funds are allocated to the designated purpose.
  • Do other universities have a gift fee?

    Yes, many of our peer institutions apply a similar fee. CASE: 66% of institutions surveyed use gift fees.

    Here are just a few examples:

    University of California, Los Angeles – 6.5%
    Harvard University – 15%
    Cal State University, Dominguez Hills – 5%
  • Does the gift fee affect tax deductibility of contributions?

    No. The fee does not affect the tax deductibility of gifts. Donors receive full credit for the total amount.
  • What about gifts of stock?

    The gift fee applies to gifts made by transfer of stock or securities.  Brokerage fees associated with securities transfers are assessed to the benefitting fund.
  • Are there exemptions to the gift fee?

    While not the norm, there may be circumstances where the fee may either be excluded or adjusted. To inquire about an exemption from the fee, please contact Dr. Leah Schueler.
  • If I want my entire donation to go to a fund, can I cover the fee?

    Absolutely! Please contact Ariana Carter, Senior Director of Gift Administration and Data Integrity for more information – or just add 8% more to your total gift amount.