Ways to give
2026 tax law changes
Changes to the tax code beginning Jan. 1, 2026, could affect how — and when — you choose to give to U of I.
Give to University of Idaho
Your gift to University of Idaho fuels a brighter future for our students, our state and the world. Every contribution creates meaningful change and lasting impact. Discover how your support shapes the legacy of the people, programs and causes that matter most to you, and helps U of I remain unstoppable.
Your support enables U of I to award $60 million in scholarships and waivers annually, making a college degree more affordable. You help cover funding gaps and reduce the average undergraduate degree debt to $19,860—nearly $10,000 below the national average.
2026 tax law changes
Changes to the tax code beginning Jan. 1, 2026, could affect how — and when — you choose to give to University of Idaho.
- Bundling makes your gifts go further. Consider making a large donation to the University of Idaho or your donor-advised fund in the current year to take advantage of itemizing your deductions and take the standard deduction in future years.
- 2025 offers higher tax savings. You won’t be able to itemize the first 0.5% of your adjusted gross income after 2025. And if you are in the 37% tax bracket, your deduction will count at only 35%.
- Donor advised funds excluded from new deduction. Beginning in 2026, people who don’t itemize will be allowed a new charitable deduction: up to $1,000 for individuals or $2,000 for couples. But donor advised funds are specifically excluded.
- New seniors’ deduction (2025–28): an additional $6,000 per eligible person (65+). Available only if you take the standard deduction; income limits apply; this is in addition to the normal “age/blind” add-on amounts under prior law.
This information is not intended as legal, accounting or other professional advice. For assistance in charitable planning, consult an attorney for legal advice or obtain the services of another qualified professional.
Give now
You can make a one-time or recurring gift via credit, debit or bank account transfer.
Make a gift your way on your time
Whether you give to make an immediate impact or plan a gift that will mature to benefit the university in the future – explore the many options to give.
Give online
Give now using your credit/debit card or bank account transfer. You can make a one-time gift or set up recurring gifts.
Give by check
Make your check payable to University of Idaho Foundation and mail to:
University of Idaho Foundation
875 Perimeter Drive, MS 3143
Moscow, Idaho 83844-3143
Be sure to include the gift designation (name of the fund) on your check or download and complete the Donor Contribution Form and include it with your check.
Employer charitable gift matching
Before making your gift, check to see if your employer offers matching charitable contributions. For assistance, email gifts@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-4000.
Employee giving
University of Idaho employees can use the online giving form to give a little each pay period through a payroll deduction.
Employees can also donate loose change to the Found Money Fund by bringing it to the University of Idaho Foundation in Mary E. Forney Hall, room 102, on the Moscow campus. Off-campus donations can be mailed to:
University of Idaho Foundation, Inc.
c/o Found Money Fund
875 Perimeter Drive MS 3143
Moscow, ID 83844-3143
Gifts of assets
Securities: Transfer assets of appreciated stock or mutual fund shares to support U of I.
Donor-advised funds (DAF): Use your DAF to make a one-time grant to U of I or create a recurring grant for even more impact. Find your fund sponsor and start the process.
Real estate and other property: Land, tangible personal property and commodities can greatly benefit U of I students, research and academic programs. Visit myuidaholegacy.org to learn how.
Giving later in life
Retained life estate: With a retained life estate gift, you can reduce your current income taxes while continuing to use your house, vacation home or farm. Explore this option at myuidaholegacy.org.
Future and estate giving: After providing for your loved ones through a will or trust, create a legacy for excellence in education at U of I. Charitable gift annuities, remainder trusts, lead trusts and other giving options can also make a lasting impact. Speak with knowledgeable staff to find the best way to create your legacy.
Idaho Education Tax Credit
As an Idaho taxpayer, your donations to University of Idaho may be eligible for a 50% education tax credit. This credit is available regardless of whether you itemize deductions. For those who do itemize, a donation to U of I allows income tax deductions on your state and federal returns.
A tax credit is a reduction to the actual tax you owe or an increase in your refund.
Tax credit is the smallest of:
- One-half of the amount donated
- 50% of your Idaho tax (10% for corporations)
- $500 ($1,000 if married filing jointly, $5,000 for corporations)
- Your Idaho tax minus the amount of credit for income tax paid to other states
Example giving benefits:
- Idaho married couples may take up to 50% of a $2,000 gift (a tax credit of $1,000)
- Idaho individuals may take up to 50% of a $1,000 gift (a tax credit of $500)
- Idaho corporations may take up to 50% of a $10,000 gift (a tax credit of $5,000)
More ways to make an impact
Corporate partnerships: Partnering with U of I provides opportunities for recruiting top talent, collaborating on needed research and creating named scholarships or endowed faculty positions.
Direct college and program support: Giving to a specific college or program elevates its academic, research and outreach work. Discover a U of I program or college that resonates with your interests and philanthropic goals.
Student-led crowdfunding: U&I Give is how U of I raises funds to support student-driven projects. Check out the current list of projects where small amounts can make a big difference.
Vandal Giving Day: During the first week of April each year, the worldwide Vandal family comes together for 1,889 minutes to celebrate philanthropic impact at U of I.
The Annual Giving team is ready to answer your questions or help you find a fund that matches your interests. Contact Annual Giving.
Learn more
Explore additional giving information and contact us at gifts@uidaho.edu or 208-885-4000. We are here to help. Visit University of Idaho Foundation.