Giving FAQ

  • What is The Penn Fund?

    Since 1927, gifts to The Penn Fund have made a profound and immediate impact on all aspects of student life and learning at the University by providing grant-based financial aid packages to undergraduates, supporting enhancements to academic programs and campus technology, and fostering community through student clubs and organizations. Each year thousands of parents and grandparents help shape the Penn experience with their unrestricted gifts.

  • What is an unrestricted gift?

    Unrestricted gifts are not designated for a specific purpose. They offer a flexible and timely way to meet the University’s greatest needs, and they support every aspect of the undergraduate student experience.

  • What do gifts to The Penn Fund support?

    The cost of a Penn education is far greater than that of the tuition and fees charged.Your unrestricted annual gift provides immediate relief to Penn’s operating budget allowing the University to provide a premiere undergraduate experience and world-class academics. Gifts to The Penn Fund are immediately directed to areas of the University that need support the most. These areas include undergraduate financial aid, residential and campus life, and academic enhancement.

    Learn more about how gifts to The Penn Fund are making an immediate and tangible difference in the lives of today’s Quakers.

  • What calendar does The Penn Fund use to recognize gifts?

    Penn’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends June 30.

  • What if I can only make a small gift to The Penn Fund?

    No gift is a small gift! All Penn Fund donors, no matter the size of their gift, enrich life at Penn. Smaller gifts add up quickly to make a significant difference. Gifts from parents are a demonstration of your involvement, passion, and confidence in Penn, and your support helps Penn maintain its ranking as one of the premier universities in the nation in terms of the quality of its students, its faculty, its academic and extracurricular programs, and its research.

  • What is Penn’s federal Tax ID number?

    The University of Pennsylvania’s Tax ID Number is 23-1352685.

  • What are the tax implications of donating?

    Donations to Penn, during your lifetime or through your estate plan, are tax deductible in accordance with IRS guidelines and supported by a receipt from Penn’s Treasurer’s Office. We encourage donors and their financial advisers to explore the significant tax advantages of planned gifts by contacting our Office of Gift Planning.

  • Can I make a gift of stock or securities to Penn?

    It’s easy to use the online giving form to make a gift of stock to Penn. Simply choose “Securities gift” from the drop-down menu, and follow the steps outlined on the form. Donors with questions regarding gifts of stock should contact Securities Gifts by calling 215-898-7254 or e-mailing gifts@upenn.edu.

    Please be sure to contact your broker to initiate the transfer.

    Firm: Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, attention: Kristine Hankins, 610-260-8531

    DTC: 0015

    Customer Name: University of Pennsylvania

    TaxID: 23-1352685

    Account Number: 858-010018-019

  • I live outside of the United States. Can I still receive tax benefits from my gift?

    Non-U.S. residents seeking information on giving to Penn should consult our international giving page for details on qualified tax funds around the world, helpful links to global Penn resources, and contact information for our International Development office.

  • I am a UK taxpayer. Can I participate in UK Gift Aid programs?

    Penn’s UK Foundation may receive matching funds on eligible gifts made by UK taxpayers. For information on how to claim Gift Aid, click here.

  • I am a Hong Kong taxpayer. How can I make a gift to Penn?

    Penn has a registered charity in Hong Kong—The University of Pennsylvania (HK) Foundation Ltd.—to enable Hong Kong taxpayers, as well as U.S. taxpayers, to make tax-advantaged gifts to Penn. Gifts can be made in Hong Kong or U.S. dollars or equivalents (checks, bank drafts, etc.) and should be payable to the University of Pennsylvania (HK) Foundation, Ltd. We regret that we are currently unable to accept online gifts to the Hong Kong Foundation.


    For more information on making a gift as a Hong Kong taxpayer, click here.

  • How do I find out if my company will match a gift to Penn?

    Your donation to Penn may multiply in value with a gift match. Many employers will match charitable contributions made by an employee, or an employee’s spouse or partner. Consult your employer’s HR office to find out your company’s matching gifts policy and obtain forms. Penn’s matching gifts database contains data on many companies that match gifts. You can also call the Matching Gifts Program at (215) 898-5069 or e-mail devgifts@dev.upenn.edu for information on matching gifts eligibility and procedures.

  • Can I make a gift to Penn over time?

    You can pledge a gift to Penn and arrange a payment schedule of up to five years. You can also make a recurring gift to the University through our online giving form.