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Annual Giving: Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Stony Brook solicit money every year?

Private support makes the difference between being average and being an internationally recognized University with the ability to make a difference for our students, our faculty and the greater community. Annual gifts to the University, made through the Stony Brook Foundation, strengthen academic programs, support new research and enrich the educational experience for our students. Annual gifts also boost the University's reputation: for example, U.S. News & World Report and other rankings consider alumni participation in annual giving when ranking the nation's universities.

Stony Brook is a state university. Why does it need private support?

Tuition revenue and the state of New York provide funding that supports basic operations at Stony Brook. However, limited state resources are inadequate to support a University whose mandate is to "stand with the finest in the country": recent state appropriations have provided less than 18% of our overall budget. Only through enhanced private support will Stony Brook realize its full potential. Your gift matters and has an immediate impact on our students.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes. In most cases, the full value of your gift is tax-deductible. If you choose to receive a tangible benefit in return (like a ticket to an event or some other item of value), only a portion of your gift will be deductible. The Stony Brook Foundation will provide you with a tax receipt to confirm your gift and any specific designation.

What are matching gifts?

Many employers match charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses especially gifts to support higher education. Use our easy matching gift service to find out if your employer or your spouse's employer offers a match. You may be able to double (or even triple!) the value of your gift to Stony Brook!

Who calls me on the phone?

Our callers are all current Stony Brook students and are employed part-time by the University's Advancement Office. They call from the University's on-campus call center.