Development and Alumni Relations

Cultivates a strong tradition of involvement and commitment to alumni, students, and friends.

Give to CMU

Tax Advantages

Gifts to Central Michigan University qualify as charitable contributions to higher education. The federal government permits a deduction for individuals who itemize on tax returns, and the state of Michigan allows a tax credit to residents and corporations.

The Office of Development & Alumni Relations cannot accept gifts intended to benefit specific individuals. You may provide financial assistance for a specific student by contacting the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Warriner Hall 201. These contributions, however, cannot be acknowledged by the Office of Development & Alumni Relations and are not eligible for a deduction or credit on your tax returns. For specific information on tax benefits, please consult your financial adviser.

State of Michigan And Federal Giving Calculator

Simply enter the amount you'd like to give and your federal tax bracket (see chart). The calculator will display the net cost of the donation and the tax savings. You may be surprised to learn that you can afford to be even more generous than you thought.

Filing Status:
Tax Rate %:
Donation:
$
Federal Deduction:
$
Michigan Credit*:
$
Federal Tax on Credit:
$
After Tax Cost of Gift:
$
*For Individuals the Michigan Credit is the smaller of: (1) 50% of contribution or (2) $100 ($200 for a joint return)
Keep in mind that you must itemize your deductions in order to gain a tax benefit. Make sure that when itemized, your total deductions are greater than your standard deduction. If they're not, stick with the standard deduction. For 2009, the basic standard deductions are:
  • Head of household - $8,000
  • Married taxpayers filing jointly and qualifying widow(er)s - $10,900
  • Married taxpayers filing separately - $5,450
  • Single - $5,450

*Your standard deduction may be increased if you are age 65 or older or blind.