Giving FAQs

Thank you for remembering the University of Houston in your financial planning. Below are answers to commonly asked questions. If you can’t find an answer, be sure to contact us.

The UH Annual Fund provides crucial day-to-day operating support for the University’s colleges, programs, and departments. Annual gifts from friends and alumni help bridge the gap between state support and the true cost of educating students.

That depends on the nature of your gift, but most gifts are at least partly deductible. If you receive any goods or services in return for your gift, such as auction items or tickets, the fair-market value of those items is not tax deductible.

Contributions to UH are subject to IRS Code sections 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) and 170(b)(1)(A)(v).

Yes, donors often pledge gifts to be paid over time. For example, a donor who pledges $25,000 might complete the commitment over five years. For more about pledging gifts, see Gifts of Cash.

The University accepts a wide range of gifts, including cash, securities, real estate, art, jewelry, equipment, intellectual property, mineral rights, oil and gas interests, timber, cattle, and limited partnership interests. All gifts are subject to review by the University’s Gift Acceptance Committee. See more about giving property.

Scholarships remain one of the most gratifying giving opportunities for our donors. A scholarship for one student can be fully endowed with a gift of $25,000 or more. A $500,000 endowment will provide a scholarship for living expenses, tuition, books, and academic enrichment experience such as undergraduate research and study abroad. See more about endowed gifts.

Each college at the University of Houston maintains a scholarship committee that reviews applications and makes the final determination. Donors do not participate in the final selection process. However, the University of Houston encourages donors to meet with scholarship recipients through regular awards luncheons and other planned activities.

Endowment gifts to the University of Houston System are placed in the University of Houston System Endowment Fund for investment and oversight purposes. The UHS Board of Regents has adopted the broad objective of investing endowment assets to preserve both their real value and the long-range purchasing power of endowment income. The board seeks superior investment returns through a diversified, professionally managed portfolio that minimize risks.

Your rights as a University of Houston donor are protected by UH’s Donor Bill of Rights. Among those rights are respectful treatment and safe handling of your personal information.