FAQs
Why so often?
Q. I made a gift in May and you are asking me to make another and it’s only October. I thought this was the Annual Fund not the Semi-Annual Fund. What’s the story?
A. The University of Illinois fundraising year coincides with the University’s fiscal year: July 1 – June 30. Typically, alumni are asked to make their annual gift beginning in September or October, with additional appeals following throughout the fundraising year. Please make your gift at a time that is most convenient for you. You can also visit giving.illinois.edu and make your gift at any time or you can request to be solicited only at a specific time of the year (see the following question).
Can I schedule my gift?
Q. I like to make all of my philanthropic gifts in December of each year. Can you send me a single annual notice at that time and save the University some money by not contacting me at other times of the year?
A. We would be pleased to send you an annual reminder at a time of your choosing. Just contact us at giving@illinois.edu and we will be pleased to comply with your request.
Can you automatically charge my credit card?
Q. I would like to make a monthly gift. Can you store my credit card information?
A. When you make a gift online you now have the option of splitting your gift into two or more payments or giving a fixed amount over a specified period of time. Charge date options are the 1st and 15th of each month. Simply go to our online giving page at giving.illinois.edu and enter your gift amount. You will be directed to a secure page where you can specify the options for the recurring credit card payment.
Can you debit my checking or savings account (EFT)?
Q. Is it possible for you to deduct a set amount each month from my checking account?
A. Through electronic transfer, Illinois offers you the opportunity to make a recurring or one-time gift without writing a check. Download an EFT authorization form or call 217.333.9174 to request an EFT Authorization Form.
I am a University of Illinois employee – how can I make a gift through payroll deduction?
Q. I’m interested in making a gift through payroll deduction. How do I sign up?
A. Payroll deduction is a convenient way to support Illinois. Even a small amount taken from each pay period can add up to a very substantial and meaningful contribution. Download a payroll deduction form or call 217.333.9174 to request a payroll deduction form.
How do I give to a specific fund?
Q. I’d like to give to a specific scholarship fund. How do I direct my gift?
A. Directed gifts allow you to designate your gift to a specific school or program, a support group, scholarship or a priority area at Illinois. When you make a directed gift to the Illinois Annual Fund, you enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting a program that is personally meaningful to you. If you plan to give online, we offer a list of popular funds on the giving page via a drop down menu as well as a search box which allows you to find a fund by entering the name. If you are unable to locate the fund you wish to support online or wish to give by mail, please contact us at 217.333.9174 and we will help you identify your fund of choice.
What if I have two degrees?
Q. I have degrees from both the College of Business and the College of Law. Can I make my gifts to both colleges at the same time, even though I will be using the gift form I received with my College of Business mailing?
A. Regardless of how you are contacted or for what area of the University, please feel free to make all of your gifts at the same time – just make a note on the gift or pledge form indicating how you would like your annual gift to be allocated. Or visit giving.illinois.edu and select the area (or areas) you wish to support.
Can I support the Illinois Annual Fund and The University of Illinois Alumni Association (UIAA)?
Q. I received a letter from the University of Illinois Alumni Association that explained their new membership model. I’d like to give to UIAA and the Illinois Annual Fund. Can I support both?
A. Yes. All Illinois alumni are encouraged to support the Alumni Association (visit the Alumni Association website for information) and the University with their annual gift. The Alumni Association is a separately incorporated organization and is not a department or division of the University of Illinois. Your gift to UIAA will support its unique functions, activities, and communications. Your gift to the Illinois Annual Fund directly supports campus, college, or unit initiatives.
Why are you still calling me?
Q. I have signed up for the National Do Not Call Registry. Will I continue to be called by the University for my annual gift?
A. As a not-for-profit organization, the University of Illinois is exempt from the federal government’s National Do Not Call Registry. This is also true of all similar state-mandated lists. The University uses the phone throughout the year to visit with alumni regarding their interests in the University and only current students are employed to make those calls. This program remains one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways we have of contacting alumni, and is often a pleasurable way for alumni to connect with today’s students. However, if you prefer not to be called by the University of Illinois, please contact us at giving@illinois.edu and we will gladly honor your request. We can also accommodate your request to be called only at a specific time of the year.
How can I get my gift matched?
Q. I understand that many companies will match gifts to the University of Illinois. How can I find out if my employer will match my gift and how do I go about it?
A. More than 7,500 companies nationwide will match employees’ gifts (including, in many cases, those of retirees or spouses) to the University of Illinois. To find out if your employer will match your gift to Illinois, contact your company’s personnel or human resources office. You can also go here to check if your employer will match your gift. If they do, please mail the matching form with your gift to the University. We will take it from there.
What is the Chancellor’s Circle?
Q. I recently saw an Honor Roll for the Chancellor’s Circle. How do I become a member?
A. The Chancellor’s Circle recognizes the annual support of donors who give $2,500 or more in a single fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). These donors provide critical support for campus through leadership-level giving. To learn more about the Chancellor’s Circle, click here.
