About Giving

How do I make a gift to Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute?

Make a gift online or write a check made payable to Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute at Wayne State University may be mailed to:

Wayne State University Fund Office
5475 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202

What is an annual gift?

Thousands of alumni and friends give to Wayne State University every year. These annual gifts provide important and immediate support for a variety of university programs and initiatives, including scholarships, research, faculty support and community outreach. The university encourages annual donors to support the areas that are of most interest to them. Learn more about annual gifts.

I received a call from a Wayne State student. Why did the student call me?

Wayne State University has call center that employs current students who reach out to alumni, parents, friends and graduating seniors year-round in support of university initiatives. The Student Call Center's mission is to increase annual giving participation and share information about campus programs. Student callers are committed to encouraging support for the Wayne State experience for the benefit of students today and tomorrow. Learn more about the Wayne State University Student Call Center.

What is an unrestricted gift?

Unrestricted gifts are not designated for a specific purpose and are used to support areas of greatest need within the university.

How do I include Wayne State University in my will or trust?

Contact your legal advisor to designate Wayne State University as a beneficiary in your will or trust, and then notify our Planned Gifts team at (313) 577-8346. A number of gift planning vehicles are available to fit your estate plan.

What is a matching gift?

Many employers have a matching gift program that will match charitable contributions made by their employees. These gifts can double or triple the amount of your gift. Contact your human resources office to find out if your employer will match your gift to Wayne State University.

Is my gift to Wayne State University tax deductible?

You may deduct charitable contributions of money or property to Wayne State University if you itemize your deductions. Always consult with a qualified advisor on questions of fair market value and other tax considerations.

How do I make a gift in memory or in honor of someone?

Visit the university's online giving page to make a gift in memory or in honor of someone. The university is pleased to send notification of tribute gifts when you include the recipient's name and address with your gift. Contact gift processing at (313) 577-2263 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or send an email to fundoffice@lists.wayne.edu if you have questions.

Scholarships and Endowments

How do I establish a scholarship?

Scholarships may be given annually or endowed in perpetuity. An annual scholarship is established with a pledge of $7,500, payable over three years, in the amount of $2,500 annually, and it may be renewed. An endowed scholarship is established with a gift of $25,000, or more, and can be paid over five years. Contact a representative from the Division of Development and Alumni Affairs for more information.

What is an endowed fund?

An endowed fund at Wayne State University exists in perpetuity for the purposes determined by the donor. An endowed fund is established with a minimum gift of $25,000. The invested principal of the endowed fund is never spent, and earnings support the purpose designated by the donor. Learn more about endowed gifts.

What is the Wayne State University endowment?

When a donor establishes an endowed fund it is invested in the Wayne State University endowment. The endowment consists of pooled funds that reside in the university's Common Trust Fund. The funds are invested by external managers and monitored by the Wayne State University Foundation Investment Committee and an external advisor. Learn more about the Wayne State University endowment.

My Information

How do I find out about my giving history at Wayne State University?

Please call (313) 577-2263 to speak to a gift processing representative or email fundoffice@lists.wayne.edu. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

How do I get a tax receipt for my gift?

Please call (313) 577-2263 to speak to a gift processing representative or email fundoffice@lists.wayne.edu. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

I established a fund at Wayne State University. How do I get current information about it?

Donors who have established an endowed fund at Wayne State University receive an annual report on their investment. For more information, contact Constituent Relations at (313) 577-6504 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

I am an alumnus. How do I update my contact information?

Contact the Wayne State University Alumni Association at (313) 577-2300. Or enter the Alumni Association's online community, World Wide Wayne.

General Information

What is the Wayne State University Foundation?

The Wayne State University Foundation was established in 2000 to provide a centralized means of encouraging and managing financial support by private sources. The foundation operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and partners with the university in overall advancement objectives. Learn more about the Wayne State University Foundation.

How do I get involved with Wayne State University as a volunteer?

There are many volunteer opportunities at the university. Visit the Alumni Association's website to learn more about volunteer opportunities, or contact the Alumni Association at (313) 577-2300 for more information.

My question hasn't been answered here. Who do I contact?

Development Officer Alan Tolcher at atolcher@med.wayne.edu.