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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 a one-time contribution 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?

    Upon receipt of a gift, the University will deduct a one-time gift fee of 8% from the amount gifted. While the fee will have only a minor effect on individual funds, its collective impact will encourage sustained growth in private support across the University community.
  • 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?

    Waivers to the fee must be approved by the University President and/or designee. The gift fee will not apply in the following circumstances:  foundations that have a pre-existing written policy against providing gifts to institutions where gift fees exist.
  • 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.