Every day, you make a difference on campus. You are empowering our students, serving the community, conducting groundbreaking research or keeping the university running. The University of Kentucky is a better place because of your contributions.
How to Give
As faculty and staff, you give your time, talent, and treasure to improve the University. Now we have made it easier for you to give back.
- In February, we launched a new payroll deduction website to streamline your giving process. You are now able to make a one-time gift, set up deductions from your monthly or bi-monthly check, and select the funds you want to benefit.
- On September 16, 2020, we will celebrate the second One Day for UK. Click here to become a college or unit ambassador.
We appreciate all that you do. For more information about giving, click the links below.
You can make a one-time gift.
You can make a recurring gift.
Set up a payroll deduction.
Send all checks, payable to the University of Kentucky, to
UK Gift Receiving Office
2353 Alexandria Drive, Suite 100
Lexington, KY 40504
To make a planned gift to the university, visit plannedgiving.uky.edu to learn about options. You can also contact the Office of Gift and Estate Planning at (859) 257-7886 or giftandestate@uky.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (Open as a PDF)
Why is faculty and staff giving important?
By supporting the University of Kentucky, you see the immediate impact of your generosity. Every gift improves opportunities for students, faculty, staff on campus and furthers our research and outreach throughout the Commonwealth. When you support the place you work, you help raise our national rankings and attract outside donors, showing them that UK is a worthwhile investment.
How can my gift make a difference?
Every program, department, college and individual has needs – great and small. Gifts of any size help address those needs, purchasing equipment, funding travel, helping students afford their education, supporting research, or advancing health care. The best part about faculty and staff giving is you decide what you want to support so that you can make the biggest impact with your gift.
Do I have to make a gift?
No. Employee participation is completely voluntary.
How do I know where to give?
Choose the area or fund that means the most to you. If you need help deciding, contact UK Philanthropy at 800-875-6272, 859-257-3911 or philanthropy@uky.edu. We can discuss giving options with you and match your interests with a university fund.
How much should I give?
That is up to you. You can determine if you want to give, how much you want to give and where your gift goes. You do not have to support the department, college or program where you work.
When does faculty and staff giving occur?
You can give at any time, but we will solicit all faculty and staff during One Day for UK, the university’s 24-hour day of giving in September. All faculty and staff gifts support Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign. One time gifts, payroll, and major gifts made July - September identified as being made in support of One Day for UK are included in the days total. As a bonus, gifts from faculty and staff who are UK alumni increase the faculty/staff totals and the alumni giving totals.
How are faculty and staff gifts counted for One Day for UK?
- Current Payroll Gifts from July to September will count toward the One Day total.
- New gifts made via payroll deduction gift enrollment beginning September will be counted in the One Day total.
- One-time gifts made August 17 - September 16 will count toward the One Day total.
- Major gifts that are given as part of a unit’s match or given on One Day for UK 2020 will count toward the One Day total.
How do I make my gift?
- Payroll Deduction: Establish a new payroll deduction or make changes to your existing payroll deduction here.
- Online: Make a one-time gift with your American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa on UK Give.
- One Day for UK – September 16, 2020: On One Day for UK, make a credit card gift at onedayforuk.uky.edu.
- Mail: Send your check (payable to The University of Kentucky) to:
UK Office of Gifts Receiving
2353 Alexandria Drive, Suite 100
Lexington, KY 40504
Is my gift tax deductible?
Gifts made to the University of Kentucky are tax deductible, except in the following situation:
Gifts from faculty or staff should not be deposited into an account over which they have sole spending authority. The department, however, may establish a separate account and assign expenditure authority to another department/business office official to avoid this situation. However, if a separate account is not established, faculty and staff can still support that fund, but will not receive tax credit for it. Alternatively, they can give to another fund within the college or university where they do not have sole spending authority and receive tax credit for that gift.
Are there any restrictions on faculty and staff giving?
You may designate your gift to any area of the university as long as it is not a fund over which you have sole spending authority.
When will my payroll deduction start?
If you are starting a new payroll deduction or have made changes to your current payroll deduction, the new deduction will begin within two pay periods.
What about a deferred gift?
Deferred gifts — such as bequests, gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and life insurance policies — also count as faculty and staff contributions. For more information, please call the Office of Gift and Estate Planning at giftandestate@uky.edu or 859-257-7886.
How do I take advantage of a corporate matching program?
If your spouse works for a matching gift company, you could be eligible to double or even triple your gifts to the university. Companies nationwide have matching gift programs to encourage employees to make charitable contributions. Some companies may even match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses. For more information, please contact the human resources department of the company where your spouse works.
Who can I contact for more information?
Contact the Office of Annual Giving at 859-257-5488 or annualgiving@uky.edu.
Robert Fehr
Robert Fehr saw how hard his wife fought for her education. She worked her way through undergraduate and threw herself into her graduate education. When she died, he could think of no better way to honor her legacy than to create a scholarship to help other students like her.
Margot McCullers
Inspired by an article in her alumni magazine, Margot McCullers began establishing endowed funds in her loved ones' honor, providing funding for researchers and students. She furthers her impact as a member of the Women & Philanthropy, helping to award grants every year.
William M. "Drew" Andrews Jr.
Drew Andrews is supporting UK's land grant mission through his work and financial support. The geologist gives back to help multiple areas of campus.
Therese Smith
A two-time UK alumna and director of Community of Concern, Therese Smith wants to ensure her alma mater and workplace succeed. She gives to five funds each year to help those in need.