Why give today?
Our classrooms, studios, and fabrication shops are a hub for design thinking and interdisciplinary learning, exposing students to a wide range of possibilities. Our research actively improves people's lives, shaping elements of our physical and digital landscape with deep care to improve life for all that inhabit our shared planet. As costs of providing outstanding design education continue to rise, our community’s support is essential to ensuring our ability to provide a world-class and affordable education.
The College of Design is a respected leader in design, and it is because of you! Your generosity provides necessary funding for student financial aid, curriculum development, groundbreaking research, and more that keep us at the forefront of design education. There is always more we can do to bolster our students and school, so thank you for your support and being a part of our community.
For questions about giving to the College of Design, how to make a gift, or information about how your gift makes a meaningful difference, see the list of ways to give below or please email us at [email protected].
Ways to give
Thank you for your interest in supporting the College of Design! There are many ways to make a gift, including one-time cash gifts, monthly giving, tribute gifts, matching gifts from your employer, and more. Long-term giving can include insurance or retirement funds, appreciated securities, or even designating the College of Design as a beneficiary in your will or trust. You can also create a crowdfunding page to support the program or fund of your choice.
However you choose to give, your support will make a difference! Learn more by exploring the options below:
Online giving by credit card
One of the fastest and easiest ways to give is to give online!
Monthly giving
Provide ongoing support in a way that is simple to include in your budget and busy life. Easily set up your monthly contribution by visiting our giving page and checking the “make this a monthly gift” box.
Giving by check
Mail in a completed gift form and check. Make checks payable to the University of Minnesota Foundation, designating the College of Design in the note area. Please mail to:
University of Minnesota Foundation
PO Box 860266
Minneapolis, MN 55486
Email [email protected] if you have questions.
Matching gifts
At no additional cost, you could double the impact of your gift. Many companies offer programs that match charitable contributions from their employees. You can find out if your employer has a matching gift program here. If you find your employer in our database, after you make your gift you can request a matching gift form from your HR department. Send the completed form, including gift information, to:
University of Minnesota Foundation
200 Oak Street SE, Suite 500
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Gifts of stock and other securities
Making a gift of appreciated stock and other securities is easy. The University of Minnesota Foundation has accounts with most major brokerage firms, so a transfer can be as simple as a phone call and a written confirmation. Read about how to make a stock gift and details of potential tax benefits on the University of Minnesota Foundation website.
Gifts in kind
The College of Design may accept valuable art or museum objects through the Goldstein Museum of Design or equipment and supplies needed by our Fabrication Shops. If you donate such objects, you may claim a charitable income tax deduction. Your gifts will be treated with care and used to further design education and, if relevant, protected by museum professionals.
Please email [email protected] to be connected with staff in the Goldstein Museum of Design or our Fabrication Shops.
Endowed Funds
Endowments can be created with gifts of cash, securities, and other assets. They can be established through one-time gifts, estate gifts, and multiyear pledges. The minimum amount required to create an endowment fund is $50,000, although larger amounts are recommended or required for certain purposes.
The principal is invested by the University of Minnesota Foundation and a portion of the fund’s value, currently 4.5 percent, is made available each year to support the purpose determined by the donor.
If you are interested in creating an endowed fund or named fund, please contact Alyssa Nordaune, Chief Advancement Officer, at [email protected]. The University of Minnesota Foundation’s website can help you learn more about endowed gifts.
Planned Giving
Planned gifts allow you to make a larger gift—and make a greater impact—than you might have thought possible. Planned gifts, such as bequests or a charitable trust, are a simple and impactful way to provide long-term support for the College of Design and advance its mission into the future. See the University of Minnesota Foundation’s website for more information on planned giving or contact Alyssa Nordaune, Chief Advancement Officer, at [email protected].
Retirement assets or life insurance
Naming the College of Design as a beneficiary of an IRA or other retirement plan, bank account, or life-insurance policy is a simple way to support the school and our students. To learn more, contact Alyssa Nordaune, Chief Advancement Officer, at [email protected].
IRA Charitable Rollover
People 70 ½ years old or older can give directly to the College of Design from an IRA without paying federal income tax. To learn more, please contact Alyssa Nordaune, Chief Advancement Officer, at [email protected].
Further Questions
Please contact [email protected]! We will answer your questions or direct you to the best contacts at the College of Design for your giving goals. Thank you for being an engaged and supportive member of our community.
