Gift acceptance
Washington University benefits from the far-reaching vision and generosity of our alumni and friends. Philanthropic support helps us carry out our ambitious goals and fulfill our commitment to better our region, our nation, and our world through teaching, research, service, and patient care. Our gift policy guide provides a summary of the principles, policies, and standards that inform our important work and guide us in our efforts to solicit, accept, recognize, and manage donor funds.
Value of thank-you gifts
The fair market value for premiums (thank-you gifts) fall under the token IRS rule. Unless noted on your receipt, no substantial goods or services were provided in conjunction with your gift.
Value of Eliot Society benefits
Membership in the Eliot Society comes with benefits exclusively for Eliot Society members. To decline or request benefits with substantial fair market value, please submit this form. If you have questions about the benefits of Eliot Society membership, please contact the Eliot Society office at 314-935-7423, or toll-free at 877-215-2727.
Gift receipts
A receipt/acknowledgement is automatically generated and sent via email when you successfully submit your gift online. Be sure to check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox. If you make a gift by mail, a printed receipt will be mailed to you within two business days of processing your gift into our system. Securities donations are receipted by the Washington University Finance office. If you have questions regarding gift receipts, please contact Advancement Services at 314-935-5800, 877-935-9385, or giftacknowledgment@wustl.edu.
Donor privacy policy
Washington University in St. Louis respects the privacy of all donors. Washington University uses its best efforts to safeguard personal information and has policies and procedures in place to protect donor privacy for both online and offline donors.
Use of Personal Donor Data
Individual donor information is used by Washington University for university-related purposes only.
Donor information is used to provide receipts and tax documentation to donors. Donor names are included in annual honor rolls unless the donor has requested otherwise. Information about specific gifts printed in university publications other than the honor rolls is included only with prior approval from the donor. Washington University honors requests for anonymity.
Occasionally, donors may receive Washington University mailings that keep donors informed of university programs, activities, special events, and needs for support. Donors who would prefer not to receive these communications may contact Development Services at (314) 935-5800 or giftacknowledgment@wustl.edu and request removal from the relevant university mailing list.
Data Security
Washington University maintains a secure environment for donor data. Authorized personnel have access to this information for appropriate business purposes.
The university does not request Social Security Numbers from donors or Employee ID number (for faculty and staff) online.
Credit card numbers, entered via the university’s online giving form, are encrypted and are not sent in clear text at any point in the data’s entry or transmission. This information is not stored in any Washington University database.
Release of Information
Washington University does not sell, rent, loan, share or trade donor information. On rare occasions, Washington University may be legally required to disclose information.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
If there is a change to this privacy policy, a revised privacy policy will be posted.
Adopted: February 13, 2015