Ways to Give
Thank you for your interest in supporting Bowie State University!
This page provides instructions on the most popular ways to make a gift:
- Make a One-Time Gift
- Make a Recurring Gift
- Find out how you can double your Gift
- Deferred or Planned Gifts
Other Ways to Make a Gift:
Questions? Call 301-860-4381 or email giftadmin@bowiestate.edu or bsuf@bowiestate.edu
Make a One-Time Gift
(Credit Card, Debit Card, or Checking Account)
Online Make a gift online through our secure website using your credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express), your debit card, or directly from your checking account.
Click here to Make a Gift Online.
Mail Mail your gift to the Bowie State University Foundation, where all charitable contributions to Bowie State University are processed: P.O. Box 939, Bowie, MD 20718-0939.
You may make a gift using a check, your credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express), or your debit card.
Phone You may call, BSU Foundation at 301-860-4381 to make a gift by phone using your credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express), or your debit card.
Make A Recurring Gift
Bank Account Automatic Payment Please send us a blank check (write "VOID" across it) so we can get your account and bank routing numbers. We'll forward your signed agreement to your bank to let them know you've authorized a pre-determined donation. We offer monthly automatic payment options .
By authorizing an automatic payment of your pledge to Bowie State University, you save time and money. Every contribution to Bowie State University is important and needed, but those made by automatic payment plans are particularly effective. By authorizing an automatic donation, you're empowering your bank to "speak" directly to us by electronic transmission, transferring a pre-set amount almost instantly and with an absolute minimum of cost.With automatic payment:
- Your pledge is never late
- You save on stamps and checks
- Your donation is even more efficient because our bookkeeping costs are lower
- You can cancel at any time
With an authorized prepayment, your contribution is made on time, and you have a record of your payment on your credit card bill or bank statement. Simply choose the method that's easiest for you:
Electronic Funds Transfer With your authorization, BSU can debit your checking account once per month in the amount you designate. To sign up, fill out an authorization from and mail it to Bowie State University Foundation with a voided check.
Payroll DeductionBSU employees can make charitable contributions to the university by payroll deduction. To sign up, fill out an authorization form for payroll deduction. If you would like to set up this form of payment to BSU, please contact Development Office at 301-860-4301.
Find out how you can double your Gift
Matching Gifts Many corporations and foundations will double or even triple the value of charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses, board members, and retirees. Find out if a particular organization will match your gift.
The EMatch Donor Link – a search box to place on your web site giving pages where your donors may type in their employer’s company name to see if there is a matching gift program and their donation can be doubled or added to in some way with company funds
Other Ways To Make A Gift
Wire Transfer The use of wire transfers has fallen out of favor as the fees incurred by donors have become quite substantial. If you are trying to meet a deadline, you might prefer to charge your gift to a credit card or mail the donation through an express carrier. To arrange a wire transfer, contact Call 301-860-4381 or email giftadmin@bowiestate.edu or bsuf@bowiestate.edu
Personal Property Some gifts require appraisal or advance approval in order to be accepted. Examples of property donated to BSU include tickets to athletic events, laboratory equipment, artwork, machinery, computer equipment, and software.
If you would like to donate personal property to BSU, please contact Development Office at 301-860-4300.
Real Estate All gifts of real estate require prior approval by the university. A gift of real estate may be a principal residence or vacation residence, a farm, a commercial building, a subdivision lot, or unimproved land. The gift may be the entire property or a fractional interest in the property. BSU’s Office of Planned Giving (301-860-4300) can walk you through the approval process.
Gift of Securities - Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds Notify our development office of your plans to donate stocks, securities
Deferred or Planned Gifts
Your gift to BSU can also be a useful financial tool
Life Income Gift A life income gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder unitrust, can provide you and/or your loved ones with an income for the duration of your lives or for a specific number of years. You receive a current income tax dedication as well.
Charitable Lead Trust These trusts can be used to transfer assets to a loved one with a significantly reduced tax liability.
Bequest The most common form of deferred gift to BSU is a bequest contained in a person's will or revocable (living) trust.
Gifts of Retirement Plans Naming BSU as a primary or contingent beneficiary of a private pension fund (e.g. IRA, 401(k)) can result in a "tax-wise" testamentary gift because these assets do not receive favorable tax treatment at their owner's death.
Retained Life Estate
You can generate a current income tax deduction by giving a home or farm to BSU, while retaining the right to use the property during your lifetime. The property will also be removed from your taxable estate.
Contact BSU’s Office of Planned Giving (301-860-4300) to discuss this giving opportunity in more detail.