As 2025 comes to a close and you prioritize your year-end giving, support our students and the university by making a gift, at any level, by Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.
Smart Giving Before 2026
With federal tax law changes scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, many donors are finding that “stacking” or combining multiple years of charitable gifts into a single, larger contribution before the change can offer meaningful tax advantages. If you’re considering a multi-year commitment, making a larger gift now may maximize your charitable deduction under current rules.
As always, we encourage donors to consult their financial or tax advisors to determine what strategy works best for their individual situation.
Automatic monthly gifts
Becoming a Pioneer Monthly Partner (formerly GEM) is a convenient and secure way to give to Transylvania University. Giving a little each month can make a huge difference for our students. You can set up a recurring gift in a variety of ways:
- Automatically using our online payment system—Visit the contribution page and set up your monthly deduction using your credit or debit card. Be sure to select the “Recurring donation” option under the Gift Amount section. You will then be prompted to select the amount, frequency, and number of recurring gifts.
- Electronic funds transfer using a voided check—Download our bank donation form and mail it with a voided check to the address below, or call the development office at 800-487-2679.
- Online payment through your bank—If you pay your monthly bills online, just add Transylvania University as one of your payees and notify the development office.
Donor Advised Funds
A donor advised fund (DAF) is a convenient, tax-efficient way to support Transylvania University. A DAF allows you to make a tax-deductible contribution to your fund today and then recommend grants to qualified charities, such as Transylvania, over time. Contributions to a DAF can grow tax-free, helping you maximize your philanthropic impact. If you already have a DAF and would like to make a gift to Transylvania University, we have several options:
You can easily make an online gift through DAFpay:
Your fund administrator may issue a check payable to:
Transylvania University
Office of Advancement
300 North Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508
Please ask your DAF provider to indicate your designation, such as a specific scholarship or area of greatest need on the distribution. Transylvania University’s federal tax identification number (EIN) is 61-0444825.
You may also drop checks off in person Monday-Friday until 5 p.m. in the Alumni and Development Office at 415 North Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508. There is a circle drive in front of our office for easy parking.
Checks
We welcome checks made out to Transylvania University. You can send them to:
Development Office
Transylvania University
300 North Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508
You may also drop checks off in person Monday-Friday until 5 p.m. in the Alumni and Development Office at 415 North Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508. There is a circle drive in front of our office for easy parking.
Be sure to designate your gift to the “The Transylvania Fund” or other purpose on the memo line.
Cryptocurrency
As digital currencies become more prevalent in personal portfolios, we are excited to partner with Engiven, a third-party vendor accepting gifts of cryptocurrency and converting it to cash to benefit Transylvania. Your contribution will directly support Transylvania’s mission to foster an exceptional liberal arts education, promote innovative research, and prepare students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose. Contact Kara Covert ’90, Vice President for Advancement, at kcovert@transy.edu, with any questions.
Online giving
It’s easy to support Transylvania by making a gift online. You can give using your card, bank account, and other digital wallet options on our alumni website. If you would like to support a particular area of campus, you may indicate that on the form. If you have any questions please contact Billie Hickey, Gift Processing and Data Associate, at bhickey@transy.edu or (859) 233-8561.
Planned giving
Ensure financial security for yourself and your loved ones while transforming the lives of future generations with a planned gift to Transylvania. Visit the planned giving page to see the options. If you have additional questions please fill out this contact form to get in touch with Diana McKenzie, director of planned giving and associate director of regional advancement, or call her at 859-233-8801.
Securities, tangible assets or other gifts
We would be happy to discuss ways you can help Transylvania through gifts of securities, tangible assets (such as your house) or other items.
Stock gifts can be coordinated through your broker using the information below. Please be sure to email the type and number of shares to giving@transy.edu so we may credit you with the gift.
Legal Name: Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky
Federal Employer Identification Number: 61-0444825
DTC #: 0164 code 40
Account #: 4364-1856
Broker: Charles Schwab
Broker Contact:
Steve Whitcomb
Charles Schwab
Lexington, KY
859-788-5201
Matching gifts
Did you know many employers will match their employees’ charitable donations? Check here to see if you’re eligible to double your gift to Transylvania, and make your support go even further. Thank you for taking this extra step to further your gift!
Give from your IRA
If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can give directly from your IRA to Transylvania without having to pay income taxes on the money. Gifts of $105,000 or less are eligible, so long as they are directed from your IRA custodian to Transylvania (rather than taking the disbursement yourself and then gifting it.) This is a very smart way to contribute, and those who max out the allowable annual gift provide the equivalent of two full-tuition/fees scholarships that year for Transy students!
If you have questions about any of these options, contact the Development Office at 800‑4‑Transy (800‑487‑2679) or giving@transy.edu. Individual staff information is available on our contact page.
Your donations make an impact on the entire Transylvania community. Thank you for your generous support.