The University of Ottawa believes it is important to honour the wishes of its donors. However, you are not obligated to designate your gift and, like many other gifts, yours can be directed to wherever the University's or a faculty's needs are greatest.

If you have never been enrolled at the University of Ottawa, nor have any of your family members (spouse, child, parent, grandparent or sibling), you may make a donation through the Friends of the University of Ottawa, and be eligible for a charitable tax deduction on your United States income tax return.

The Friends of the University of Ottawa is an independent charity organized in the United States that works to advance the University by supporting special projects approved by its board of directors.

To qualify for a United States charitable contribution tax receipt, gifts to the Friends of the University of Ottawa must be unconditional. You may, if you wish, make a recommendation on how your gift should be used to advance the University. To take advantage of this option, please make your cheque payable to "Friends of the University of Ottawa" and send it to this address:

Friends of the University of Ottawa
c/o Roha & Flaherty
1725 I Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington D.C. 20006-2423

The University of Ottawa has established the minimum endowment level at $20,000.* This gift can be made as a pledge, and can include multiple donors and matching funds from corporations, foundations or the Government of Ontario.

Endowed bursaries will exist as long as the University does, as the capital is never spent. In general, 4%* of the returns on investments are put in an expendable account, which in turn pays out the bursary, scholarship or award. For more information, see the University of Ottawa's endowment policy (Policy 111).

*Subject to market fluctuations.

No. Some prizes, awards, scholarships and bursaries are supported on a recurring yearly basis by donors. For named scholarships, a commitment of $1,000 per year for three consecutive years is required.

Yes. It is common for individuals contributing to the University of Ottawa to do so in memory or in honour of a colleague, friend, mentor or loved one. It is a wonderful opportunity to perpetuate that person's memory or to recognize a special bond, an anniversary or an event in someone's life.

Yes. Once the Annual Fund has received the necessary contact information, we can notify individuals or groups of the gift you have made in their name. Please note that the specific amount will not be listed.

Yes. You may request anonymity at any time by contacting the Annual Fund or by indicating this wish on your gift documents.

No. The University does not sell or trade its donor list to external agencies.

Yes. The University contacts donors in many ways. However if you would prefer to be excluded from certain forms of communication, such as telephone or mail, we will respect your wishes.

The donor is recorded as the person or entity that gave the gift, and the tax receipt is not transferable. If you have collected funds and presented them on behalf of other individuals, it is important to provide written documentation and contact information for these donors.

Pooling gifts towards a common cause is a long-established tradition at the University, and often serves to commemorate some of life's important milestones, such as reunions, birthdays or retirements. Classmates, family members, co-workers or groups of friends often join together to establish scholarships or to fund special interest initiatives.

FAQ - Campus Campaign

The Campus Campaign encourages and promotes giving by faculty, staff and retirees of the University to enhance the student experience on campus. Employees and retirees may use payroll deduction throughout the year to make their gift. A charitable gift receipt will appear on your T4 slip.

The Alumni Association is the volunteer organization representing all alumni. A volunteer board is elected and in cooperation with the Alumni Relations Office, helps further both its mission and the University's. The Alumni Association neither solicits nor processes donations.

The Annual Campaign of the University is responsible for coordinating philanthropic contributions to the university.

Yes. An increasing number of corporations or corporate foundations are providing matching gift programs for their employees. Some employers may even offer a double or triple match for your donation. For more information, please call us at 613-562-5800 ext. 3417.

A planned gift enables donors to achieve their philanthropic objectives while maximizing tax savings and other financial benefits. These gifts do not affect the benefits to your family heirs. Gifts can include immediate donations of cash or securities, or deferred gifts like bequests or life insurance. Contact heritage@uOttawa.ca for more information.

Yes. The Canadian government has eliminated capital gains tax on donations of publicly listed securities to charities. By donating stocks or mutual funds that have grown in value, you don't have to pay the capital gains tax which you would otherwise owe, and you can make a significant gift at the same time. To make a gift of securities Ways to Give. Donations must be received prior to December 29 of each year in order for you to receive a tax receipt for that fiscal year.