FAQs
- Can I designate my gift?
- Donations through the Friends of the University of Ottawa
- What is the minimum endowment for a named bursary, scholarship or award?
- Are all funds endowed?
- Can I make gifts in memory/in honour of someone?
- Can you notify someone of my gift?
- Can my gift be anonymous?
- Will I be solicited by other institutions following this gift?
- May I select the type of contact that I would prefer?
- Who can receive a tax receipt?
- What is a group gift?
- What is the Campus Campaign?
- What is the relationship between the Annual Fund and the Alumni Association?
- Is it true that some gifts can be matched?
- What is gift planning?
- Can I make my annual donation with a gift of securities?
Can I designate my gift?
Yes, the University of Ottawa believes it is important to honour the wishes of its donors. However, you are not obligated to designate your gift and like many others, your gift can be directed to wherever the University’s needs are greatest.
Donations through the Friends of the University of Ottawa
If you are not or were not enrolled at the University of Ottawa, nor any of your family members were (spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling), you may make a donation through the Friends of the University of Ottawa to be eligible for a charitable tax deduction on your United States income tax return.
The Friends of the University of Ottawa is an independent charity organized in the United States that works to advance the University by supporting special projects approved by its board of directors.
To qualify for a United States charitable contribution tax receipt, gifts to the Friends of the University of Ottawa must be unconditional. You may, if you wish, make a recommendation on how your gift will be used to advance the University. To take advantage of this option, please make your check payable to “Friends of the University of Ottawa” and send your check to:
Friends of the University of Ottawa
c/o Roha & Flaherty
1725 I Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington D.C. 20006-2423
What is the minimum endowment for a named bursary, scholarship or award?
The University of Ottawa has established the minimum endowment level at $20,000. This gift can be made as a pledge and can include multiple donors and matching funds from corporations and the Government of Ontario. Endowed bursaries will continue to exist as long as the University does as the capital is never spent. In general, 4.5% of the returns on investments are put in the expendable account, which in turn pays out the bursary, scholarship or award. For more information see the University of Ottawa’s Endowment Policy.
Are all funds endowed?
No. Some of the prizes, awards, scholarships and bursaries are supported on a recurring yearly basis by donors.
Can I make gifts in memory/in honour of someone?
Yes, it is common for individuals contributing to the University of Ottawa to do so in memory or in honour of a colleague, a friend, a mentor or a loved one. It is a wonderful opportunity to perpetuate that person’s memory or to recognize a special bond, anniversary or event in their lives.
Can you notify someone of my gift?
Yes, once the Annual Fund has received the contact information of the third party, we can notify individuals or groups of your gift. Please note that the specific amount will not be listed.
Can my gift be anonymous?
Yes, you may request anonymity at any time by contacting the Annual Fund or by indicating it on your gift documents.
Will I be solicited by other institutions following this gift?
No, The University does not sell or trade its donor list to external agencies.
May I select the type of contact that I would prefer?
Yes, the University contacts donors in many ways, however if you would prefer to be excluded from certain forms of communication such as telephone or mail, we will respect your wishes.
Who can receive a tax receipt?
The donor will be recorded as the person or entity which gave the gift and the tax receipt is not transferable. If you have collected funds and presented them on behalf of other individuals, it is important to provide written documentation and contact information for these donors.
What is a group gift?
Pooling gifts towards a common cause is a long-established tradition at the University and often serves to commemorate some of life’s important milestones, such as reunions, birthdays or retirements. Classmates, family members, co-workers or groups of friends often band together to establish scholarships or to fund special-interest initiatives.
What is the Campus Campaign?
The Campus Campaign comprises initiatives which encourage and promote the impact of faculty and support staff giving. Many employees chose to contribute because they are acutely aware of the financial challenges that students face or because a project is of interest to them. Your charitable gifts will appear on your T4.
What is the relationship between the Annual Fund and the Alumni Association?
The Alumni Association is the volunteer organization representing all alumni. A volunteer board is elected and, in cooperation with the Alumni Relations Office, helps further both its mission and the University’s. The Annual Fund of the University is responsible for coordinating philanthropic contributions. The Alumni Association neither solicits nor processes donations.
Is it true that some gifts can be matched?
Yes. The Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) is a provincial matching program, established as a means of encouraging individuals and organizations to contribute to permanent endowment funds that assist Ontario students who demonstrate financial need. In addition, an increasing number of corporations or corporate foundations are providing matching gift programs for their employees.
What is gift planning?
Gift planning enables donors to achieve philanthropic objectives while maximizing tax and other financial benefits. Gifts can include immediate donations of cash or securities, or deferred gifts like bequests or life insurance. Contact Maurice Prevost at maurice.prevost@uOttawa.ca or Monique Archambault at monique.archambault@uottawa.ca, or call 1-888-352-7222.
Can I make my annual donation with a gift of securities?
The Canadian government has eliminated capital gains tax on donations of publicly listed securities to charities. By donating stocks or mutual funds that have grown in value, you will not have to pay the capital gains tax which you would otherwise owe, and you can make a significant gift at the same time. To make a gift of securities visit www.annualfund.uOttawa.ca/giving-options.html.
"Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. It is a challenge, putting oneself through university. The award given to me through your fund was a great help --- not only financially, but emotionally as well. Some days it really does seem difficult, but your kindness made it possible."