Campaign Investment Fund

As the University of Denver continues to deepen its commitment to building a global culture of engagement and philanthropy, 5% of philanthropic gifts received on or after January 1, 2018, will be allocated to support fundraising and engagement efforts. Additionally, the University will commit a portion of annual reserve funding to support campaign operations. The combined funding from these two sources will constitute the Campaign Investment Fund. These assessments will significantly extend the reach and impact of gifts to the University and help to advance the mission of the University of Denver.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the Campaign Investment Fund and how does it support the University of Denver?

    The campaign investment fund provides a sustainable revenue stream to help to ensure the growth of the University’s global engagement and fundraising efforts.  The fund is maintained with an annual set distribution of University reserves and by a 5% assessment on philanthropic donations.  This funding supports the University of Denver’s local, national and global programming to activate a community of Pioneers around the world.

    The Campaign Investment Fund supports the University of Denver’s presence in key national markets, enables DU to create meaningful experiences and programs designed to engage and connect the global network of Pioneers, and it extends the impact of fundraising for scholarships, programs, and other vital student support opportunities.

  • Which gifts support the Campaign Investment Fund?

    5% of all current use and endowment gifts, pledge payments and bequest distributions received on or after January 1, 2018, is allocated to the Campaign Investment Fund (except those meeting one or more of the exclusion criteria stated below). In no case will more than $50,000.00 be assessed on a single commitment.

  • Will the Campaign Investment Fund ever change?

    The University reserves the right to update its Campaign Investment Fund strategy based on its needs and resources, industry trends and other factors.  Such changes are very infrequent.

  • When did the University of Denver adopt the Campaign Investment Fund?

    The Campaign Investment Fund was instituted on January 1, 2018.  The 5% assessment is applied to all gifts received on or after that date and all payments on pledges made on or after that date.

  • Do other organizations assess donations to support engagement and philanthropy?

    Yes, this has become an increasingly common practice for nonprofit organizations, including institutions of higher education.  Assessments vary, but typically range between 4 and 10 percent.

  • Does the Campaign Investment Fund assessment effect my tax deduction?

    This is an internal allocation and it does not effect the tax deductibility of your gift.  You will receive full credit for the total contributed amount.

  • Is this a one-time or recurring assessment?

    The assessment is processed at the time a gift is received.  If you have made a multi-payment pledge to the University of Denver, 5% of each pledge payment will be assessed and allocated to the Campaign Investment Fund (not to exceed a total of $50,000.00 per commitment).

  • Can I fund the assessment separately?

    You are welcome to give an amount equal to 5% of your intended gift amount to offset the assessment.  If you do so, your entire gift (including the additional 5%) is considered tax deductible.

  • Is a portion of my event registration or ticket purchase allocated to the Campaign Investment Fund?

    If the price of your registration includes a donation to the University of Denver (above the value of the goods and services you received), the 5% assessment will be applied to the donation portion of your registration cost.

  • Is there an assessment on my gift of real property?

    Gifts of real property will be assessed on the appraised value or net proceeds, whichever is less.

  • Are there exceptions?

    In no case will the assessment on a single philanthropic commitment exceed $50,000.00. Gifts fully excluded from the Campaign Investment Fund assessment include:

    • Gifts-in-kind
    • Life income gifts
    • Gifts received from foundations or other organizations which explicitly prohibit assessment of a gift administration fee
    • Payments fulfilling pledges made on or before December 31, 2017