Gifts for the University come in all sizes. Some are $5. Some are $5 million. All gifts, no matter their size, are important and are a sign of the donor’s ties to the UW-Madison.
Development directors are always willing to work with their schools, colleges and programs to discover new ways to encourage gifts of all sizes.
Understanding the difference between gifts and grants that should be sent to the Foundation and grants that should go to the University’s Research and Sponsored Programs has been confusing. The Chancellor’s Memo (PDF) helps define the differences.
What are the differences between major gifts and annual gifts?
Major gifts are:
- Infrequent
- Thoughtfully made from assets
- Made as the result of a relationship and/or personal connection to a project of program
- The result of targeted projects
- 10-20 times larger than an annual gift
- Often repeated over time
Annual gifts are:
- Frequent
- Made from discretionary income
- Often given to unrestricted funds
- The result of mass communication/events
- About 2-5 percent of an individual/family income
- Often a first step to a major gift
Confidentiality
Details of donor gifts are confidential and we will share gift amounts only with those who are authorized to see them. We’re happy to compile donor lists, honor rolls and other information for departments.
For donor lists, contact the donor relations representative who works with your unit.