Every gift to Gauden University, whatever its size, makes a valuable and immediate difference. Your generous donations enable Gauden to provide better services and resources for our students and faculty.

Contribution options include cash, checks, credit card payments, gifts of marketable securities, other assets, and services.

Matching Gifts

Some companies will match your charitable gifts. You can obtain a matching gift form from your Personnel or Human Resources Manager and return the form with your contribution. Note: Some companies also match gifts made by spouses.

Monetary Gifts

Gauden University is a 503(c) Institution, so your monetary donations are fully tax deductible. We are able to accept cash, check, credit card, and bank account transfers in the following ways.:

Make a gift online.
To donate online, please click on the button below. You may enter the amount of your donation and pay securely using your credit card or bank account. If you do not have a PayPal account, you can still donate online. Simply enter the amount you would like to donate, click Update Total, and then click the "Continue" link on the left side of the page just above the credit card logos.

Make a gift by phone

Phone: 707.773.3799

Make a gift by mail (check or credit card)

Please make out checks to Gauden University. Download, print this Contribution form, and mail it to Gauden at

Gauden University
Attn: Contributions
PO Box 1020
Petaluma, CA 94953

Make a gift by fax

Download, print this Contribution form, and fax to Gauden at

Fax Tollfree: 877.842.4283

Service Opportunities

You may wish to contribute by volunteering your time and expertise. Gauden appreciates your willingness to offer support for its mission of providing educational opportunities that assist people to reach their potential and serve their communities in a healthful and joyous way. If you would like to be of service, please contact us at contributions@gauden.org

Marketable Securities

A gift of marketable securities can be beneficial for you and Gaud. If you have own the securities for more than a year then there may be favorable tax impacts including

• a federal income tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the securities on the date of your gift for up to 30% of your adjusted gross income
  
  
• avoidance of capital gains tax on the transfer
  
  
• the ability to purchase the same securities on the open market which will have a new cost basis

Real Estate

You may wish to make a gift of all or a partial interest in a personal residence, a vacation home, undeveloped land, or a commercial property. If you have owned the property for more than one year, you may be eligible for a federal tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the property on the date of your gift, and you may be able to avoid capital gains tax on the transfer.

Personal Property

The University accepts gifts of personal property. If Gauden can and is expected to use your gift of property, such as books or other materials, to assist in its educational goals and you have owned the property for more than one year, you will be eligible for a fair market value income tax deduction without having to recognize the capital gain on any appreciation. If the University cannot use the property directly and/or the property would need to be sold and the proceeds used for the benefit of the University, then your charitable contribution deduction is limited to the lesser of your cost basis or fair market value.

Capital Gifts

Donors who choose to make capital gifts can direct their support toward a specific purpose that matches their personal interests with Gauden’s needs and priorities. Examples might include financial aid, faculty support and academic programs.

Endowment Gifts

Gifts toward endowment are invested by the University and the income from the gift is directed toward the purpose designated by the donor such as scholarships, faculty support, and new program development. The gift continues in perpetuity because only the income from the principal is spent.

Restricted Current Use Gifts

Restricted current use funds are directed toward a specific purpose selected by the donor. The principal of a current use gift is depleted over time.

Unrestricted Current Use Gifts

Gifts toward unrestricted current use support the day-to-day operations of the University such as general financial aid, teaching, and research.

Bequests

If you wish to give leave a bequest to the University, you may designate a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, or a fixed percentage of your estate to the University.

Retirement Plan Assets

You may wish to consider leaving tax-burdened property to the University, such as Individual Retirement Accounts and other retirement plan death benefits.