Frequently Asked Questions

The Johns Hopkins University, a not-for-profit entity organized under the laws of the State of Maryland, encourages the solicitation and acceptance of gifts to the University for purposes that will help the University to further and fulfill its mission and programs. 

The Johns Hopkins University and its staff solicit current and deferred gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations to secure the future growth and mission of the Johns Hopkins institutions. 

The Johns Hopkins University will accept unrestricted gifts, and gifts for specific programs and purposes, provided that such gifts are not inconsistent with its stated mission, purpose and priorities.  The University will not accept gifts that violate the terms of the corporate charter, are unduly burdensome to administer, pose an unacceptable risk of liability to Johns Hopkins, benefit a specified Johns Hopkins employee or student or that are for purposes outside the mission of Johns Hopkins. 

Why should I give to Johns Hopkins?

Your generosity—and that of other alumni and friends who understand and believe in our mission—enables Johns Hopkins to address unprecedented global challenges, safeguard and enhance health, enrich culture, and advance the frontiers of knowledge. Johns Hopkins’ achievements are your achievements.

How can I give to Johns Hopkins?

There are many ways to give to Johns Hopkins. You can write a check and mail it, use your credit card on our online giving form, or transfer assets such as stocks, bonds, and property.

Is there an assessment charged to gifts? Why is it important?

As is common with higher education institutions and other non-profit organizations across the United States, the university applies a one-time assessment to all gifts. The amount of the assessment is determined by the university’s Board of Trustees. The current Johns Hopkins University assessment is 4%. This assessment is used to help support the cost of the university’s development efforts.

Please see the question below regarding gifts to Medicine.

Are gifts to Medicine assessed differently?

Gifts to Johns Hopkins Medicine are assessed at a different rate. Building gifts are exempt. Endowment gifts are assessed at 15 percent and current use gifts are assessed at 20 percent. These funds are used to support the Clinical and Academic Fund. Approximately two-thirds of these funds are allocated to support services and academic space for the faculty. The remaining funds are earmarked to support the mission of care, research and education within Johns Hopkins Medicine as designated by the Dean and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Are there additional assessments?

A number of clinical departments have an additional assessment which supports the mission of care, research and education as determined by the department chair. The Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center assesses 10% for faculty support; Department of Medicine assesses 2%; Wilmer Eye Institute assesses 5% (3% supports department development, 2% supports junior faculty and basic scientists with funding gaps); Neurology and Brain Science assesses 3%.

In addition, the Bloomberg School of Public Health (SPH) has an additional assessment of 6% that is used to support scholarships. Gifts for scholarships to the SPH are not assessed.

I give every year, but want to do more to support Johns Hopkins. How do I find out what else I can do?

Opportunities for alumni and friends to give their time and expertise as volunteers exist across Johns Hopkins schools and campuses. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 410-516-0363 or 1-800-JHU-JHU1, or alumni@jhu.edu to find out what opportunity would fit you best.

Is there a difference between giving to the annual fund and giving to the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association?

Yes. Gifts to the annual fund and Johns Hopkins Alumni Association are made to separate entities for different purposes. Gifts to the annual fund provide support and resources to university initiatives and programs. Gifts to the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association support the professional engagement, networking opportunities and other programs and services provided for alumni around the world.

If I’m making a gift, may I specify where to allocate the gift?

Yes. You can direct your gift to any school, center, department, or program by indicating so on your giving form.

Can I give to a program other than the one listed on my contribution card?

Yes. On your contribution card, write in the designation you would like to support on the “Other” line and mail it back to us. You can also give online with a credit card and designate your gift to the program of your choice.

I’d like to make incremental gifts to Johns Hopkins throughout the year. May I do this?

Yes. Learn more about recurring gifts.

Can I make a partial payment on a pledge?

Yes. You can partially pay your pledge by credit card using our online giving form or by mailing in the pledge reminder receipt sent to you by Johns Hopkins with your payment.

How can I find out more about making a gift of stock or putting Johns Hopkins in my estate plans?

Contact Johns Hopkins' Office of Gift Planning for more information about these and other kinds of planned gifts.

After I make a gift, will I receive a receipt to be used for tax purposes?

Yes. Johns Hopkins will mail a tax receipt within two weeks of receiving your gift. If you do not receive a receipt, contact us at oag@jhu.edu or 800-548-5422.

How do matching gifts work?

If your employer matches charitable contributions from employees, you may be able to double or even triple the value of your gift. Obtain a form from your company's human resources department, complete it, and mail to:

Johns Hopkins
Development Business Services
201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2500
Baltimore, MD 21201
Attn: Gift Processing Supervisor

How do I make a gift in honor of or in memory of an individual?

You can make a gift in the honor or memory of an individual and direct it to an appropriate program or fund on our online giving form or by informing us with a note accompanying your mailed gift. After you have named your honoree, you may opt for Johns Hopkins to send an acknowledgement to that individual.

My question is not answered here. Whom should I contact?

Contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 410-516-3400 or giving@jhu.edu.