Donor Resources

Philanthropy is vital to Oakland University and helps us achieve extraordinary things every day. Philanthropic support encourages the pursuit of a forward-thinking and strategic vision which is vital to our success.

Whether you are a corporate donor, foundation partner or an individual supporter, a longtime patron or first-time giver, we strive to meet your needs, answer your questions and provide you with the resources to direct and inspire your philanthropy.

Donor Bill of Rights GDPR Privacy Notice Naming policy/Gift Policy

Gift Reinvestment Fee FAQs

Why does OU have a gift reinvestment fee? How does the gift reinvestment fee support University Advancement?
The reinvestment fee on non-endowed gifts supports overall advancement efforts for Oakland University.
How is the gift reinvestment fee utilized?
The gift reinvestment fee is a one-time assessment to assist advancement activities in support of Oakland University’s educational, research, and service mission. It is a one-time administrative fee equal to 5% of donations to non-endowed funds.
Is the gift reinvestment fee unique to OU?
This type of reinvestment fee is a best-practice for universities across the country, including many of our peer institutions. Gift reinvestment fees from our peers range from 2% to more than 8% annually.
Does the gift reinvestment fee affect tax deductibility of contributions?
No, the University gift reinvestment fee does not affect the tax deductibility of your contributions. Donors receive full tax credit and a receipt for the full amount of their gifts.
What types of gifts are subject to the gift reinvestment fee?
The gift reinvestment fee applies to all cash gifts and pledge payments made to non-endowment funds including all testamentary gifts and matured planned gift distributions from charitable gift annuities, life insurance, charitable remainder trusts, IRA charitable rollovers, donor-advised funds, and charitable lead trusts. Pledge payments made to non-endowment pledges that existed prior to January 1, 2024 will not be assessed the gift reinvestment fee.
Are there exceptions to the gift reinvestment fee?
The university gift reinvestment fee will not apply to documented gift agreements, including documented pledges, executed prior to January 1, 2024, non-cash gifts (gifts-in-kind) made to the University, charitable life insurance premium payments, sponsored research grants, or to foundations that have a pre-existing written policy against providing gifts to institutions where gift fees exist.
Does the gift reinvestment fee apply to endowed funds?
No, the gift fee does not apply to funds in the endowment pool.
Are administrative costs common for non-profits?
Yes. According to Charity Navigator, “seven out of ten charities – spend at least 70% of their expenses directly on their programs”, with under 30% going to administrative costs. And, CharityWatch, “considers a charity to be highly efficient when our end calculations produce a Program percent of 75% or greater.” In the case of Oakland University, the percent that goes toward program support is 95% with 5% going towards administrative costs.
Do other universities have similar gift reinvestment fees?
Yes. A sampling includes Arizona State U: 5%; Cal Poly Pomona: 5%; Eastern Washington U: 5%; Georgia Southern U: 5%; Johns Hopkins U: 4%; NC State U: 5%; North Dakota State U: 5%; Portland State U: 5%; Stony Brook U: 10%; U of Alaska: 5%; U of Arizona: 6%; U of Connecticut: 5%; U of Florida: 2.5%; U of Iowa: 5%; U of Memphis: 5%; U of Missouri: 5%; U of South Carolina: 5%; U of Virginia: 5%; U of Washington: 5%; UC San Francisco: 10%; Utah Valley: 5%; Washington State U: 5%; Western Oregon U: 3%; Wright State U: 5%

University Advancement

Frances M. Moceri House
3151 University Dr.
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(location map)
(248) 370-4504
Fax: (248) 364-6101

John Dodge House
507 Golf View
Rochester, MI 48309-4488