Gift Policy

Summary

Columbia University is deeply grateful for the generosity of its donors. Philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting the University’s mission to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level, attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, and to convey the products of its efforts to the world. 

This document outlines the basic principles and practices that guide how gifts are solicited, accepted, and administered. These guidelines are designed to ensure that every gift is used thoughtfully, in alignment with donor intent, and in support of the University’s mission, values, and long-term stewardship responsibilities.

Core Principles

Alignment with Columbia’s Mission and Priorities

Columbia welcomes gifts that support its mission and priorities. The University works with donors to ensure that gifts are structured in ways that can be effectively implemented and sustained over time. A written gift agreement helps clarify shared expectations and supports the success of each gift. 

Institutional Autonomy

Columbia is committed to preserving the independence and integrity of its academic enterprise. Gifts must be designed to ensure that the University retains control of academic, administrative, and operational decisions—including those related to admissions, financial aid, faculty appointments, and research—while honoring the purpose of the gift.

Integrity, Values, and Reputation

Columbia carefully considers each gift to ensure that it reflects the University’s values and strengthens public trust. The University seeks to partner with donors whose philanthropy aligns with its values. In some instances, the University may determine that a proposed gift is not the right fit for Columbia’s priorities or responsibilities. 

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

Columbia engages in valued relationships with a variety of external entities and individuals that may lead to financial benefit for the University. Columbia is committed to ensuring sound relationships that will not compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of the University’s mission or core values.

University Name

The legal name of the University is “The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York.” Gifts may be made using the full legal name or simply “Columbia University.”

Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts

Columbia’s development staff, faculty, and administrators are responsible for ensuring that the solicitation, acceptance, and administration of gifts are done in compliance with Columbia’s policies. Columbia works in partnership with donors to structure gifts that are meaningful, impactful, and sustainable. 

The acceptance of gifts and gift terms are guided by the following principles:

• The gift is made in support of the University's mission.
• The identity of the donors is known to Columbia, including those donors who wish to retain some level of anonymity. Donor identity may be kept confidential by request and in accordance with the law, but never with the purpose of shielding the University from damage to its reputation or hiding a gift which would not otherwise have been accepted.
• The terms of the gift do not interfere with Columbia’s ability to fully control the management, operation, and direction of its affairs, including its commitment to academic freedom and integrity. 
• The gift terms may not unlawfully discriminate or impose unreasonable financial or administrative burdens. 

Faculty, researchers, and staff are prohibited from making a gift, personally or through a foundation or donor advised fund, that is restricted to support or directly benefit their own work or that of an immediate family member. 

The University establishes guidelines for certain types of gifts, such as endowments, to ensure that they can provide lasting support. The University sets minimum levels to establish endowed funds. Schools may choose to set higher minimums for new endowments as they deem appropriate.

The Executive Vice President for the Office of Alumni and Development has the final authority to accept gifts to ensure consistency with institutional policies and priorities.   

Recognition of Donors

Columbia is honored to recognize the generosity and vision of its donors.

• Donors may be recognized through naming opportunities, including faculty positions, scholarships, programs, and physical spaces.
• Naming provides a meaningful and enduring connection between the donor and the University’s mission.
• Only retired and/or emeritus faculty may be honored through naming gifts, with the exception of gifts for scholarships and fellowships. 
• All naming opportunities are thoughtfully considered and approved through established processes. Final approval of naming opportunities rests with the Trustees of the University. 

The University is committed to preserving donor recognition over time. In rare circumstances, if conditions change in ways that could affect the University’s mission or reputation, Columbia may revisit a naming decision with care and consideration. 

Gift Review

Columbia takes a thoughtful and collaborative approach to reviewing gifts.

Staff involved in fundraising work closely with donors to understand the purpose, structure, and source of each gift. In certain cases, additional review helps ensure that gifts align with University policies and values. 

Two committees support this process: 

• The Gift Review Committee considers gifts that involve unique circumstances, including certain international gifts or those that fall outside standard practices.   
• The Institutional Conflict of Interest Committee reviews specific gifts related to research to ensure that academic integrity and objectivity are maintained.

These processes help ensure that all gifts are accepted and administered with care and consistency.

Management of Funds 

Columbia is committed to responsible stewardship of all gifts.

• Gifts are used in accordance with donor intent and the terms of the gift agreement. 
• Endowed funds are invested to support both current programs and future generations. Each endowed fund is allocated units in Columbia’s endowment, a pooled fund managed under the direction of the Columbia Investment Management Company.
• The University manages resources in a way that ensures long-term sustainability and impact. 

Columbia applies a portion of gift funds, no more than 10%, to support the infrastructure and administrative functions necessary to carry out the activities those gifts make possible. 

If circumstances evolve over time, the University may work with donors to adapt a gift’s purpose so that it continues to have a meaningful impact. In rare cases where this is not possible, the University will determine an appropriate path forward consistent with donor intent and its fiduciary responsibilities. 

More Information

To learn more about making a gift to Columbia, please contact the Office of Alumni and Development at 212-853-1919 or visit https://giving.columbia.edu/ways-to-give.

Philanthropy at Columbia is rooted in a shared belief in the power of knowledge, discovery, and education to improve lives.

The University is honored by the trust its donors place in it and is committed to ensuring that every gift is used wisely, effectively, and in a manner that reflects both the donor’s aspirations and Columbia’s enduring mission.