How to Make a Gift
Gifts to The HDS Fund play a critical role in supporting key initiatives, such as financial aid and academic research. Donations to The HDS Fund also allow the Dean to allocate resources where they are most needed, which translates to greater flexibility and freedom for the School and our faculty and students.
Alumni and friends can contribute to Harvard Divinity School through a variety of methods. The many ways of giving provide donors with opportunities to reduce the cost of the gift, while at the same time maintaining, if not increasing, its value to HDS.
HDS accepts all major credit cards, including MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Credit Card
Enclose a check payable to: "Harvard University." In the check's memo section, please write "The HDS Fund."
Checks should be mailed to:
Harvard Divinity School
Attn: The HDS Fund
Office of Development and External Relations
45 Francis Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
To transfer gifts of cash by bank wire, instruct your broker or banker to contact the Office of the Recording Secretary at 617.495.1750 to indicate the gift amount and its purpose (e.g., to Harvard Divinity School, for "The HDS Fund").
Bank of America 100 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110
President & Fellows of Harvard College, RSO account
Account #: 9429263621
Ach ABA: 011000138
Wire ABA: 026009593
Swift Code: BOFAUS3N
Donor: (To be provided by donor)
Purpose: (To be provided by donor)
Stock Transfer When donating stock to Harvard Divinity School, donors may take a standard charitable deduction for the mean fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift, while also avoiding capital gains tax on appreciated securities.
There are many assets that may be used to fund a significant gift to Harvard Divinity School, including appreciated securities, real estate, personal property, business interests, retirement plans, life insurance, and many others. Harvard has an experienced staff of planned giving professionals who can help you develop plans that will not only allow you to make a significant gift to HDS, but also provide financial and tax benefits for you and your family. Further information can be found on the University Planned Giving website.
For further information on making a Planned Gift to HDS, contact John Christel, Associate Director, University Planned Giving.
A gift of real estate can be an attractive way to make a substantial commitment to Harvard Divinity School and simultaneously realize important tax and income benefits. You can give either all or a percentage of the property. You may be able to significantly reduce the amount of income, capital gain, and estate taxes you otherwise might have to pay. You may also be able to earn an income from your gift.
There are many types of real estate suitable for a gift to Harvard Divinity School: personal residence, vacation property, commercial property, building lot, undeveloped land, farm or ranch, etc.
There are a variety of ways to use your life insurance for a substantial gift to Harvard Divinity School. Depending on the type of policy you donate, you may receive an upfront income tax deduction. If the policy is maintained by HDS, any future premium payments you make or that you contribute to Harvard Divinity School may also be tax deductible.
Double your gift's impact to Harvard Divinity School. Check to see if your employer participates in the Matching Gift Program.
HARVARD DIVINITY SCHOOL, 45 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 617.495.5761
