Giving from Abroad

U-M alumni, parents, and friends do great things around the globe. Even from afar, many of them also provide generous volunteer and financial support to U-M students, faculty, and programs. The International Giving team is committed to serving international alumni, parents, and friends as they invest in Michigan.

A group photo of University of Michigan Alumni from around the world.

On this page you will find general information about giving to U-M from abroad, including country-specific solutions enabling donors to support U-M while qualifying for tax benefits in domiciles outside the United States. We encourage you to contact us for more specific information. We look forward to assisting you. Please consult with your financial and tax advisors regarding the specifics of your situation.

Tax-efficient giving from abroad

The University of Michigan has more than 40,000 alumni outside the United States, many of whom remain engaged with students, faculty, and programs on campus and provide generous philanthropic support. Below is some general information about tax-efficient giving from certain countries.

Source income from the United States

In most circumstances, donors with income taxable in the United States may deduct their gifts to U-M from that income. This is the most common and most efficient “cross border” giving strategy when it comes to taxes. You will, of course, want to consult your financial and tax advisors regarding your specific situation.

Canada

Canadian taxpayers may claim a tax credit for gifts to U-M, which is listed on Schedule VIII of the Canadian Income Tax Act under "The University of Michigan."

Hong Kong

Donors making gifts of more than US$25,000 may be eligible to utilize the University of Michigan Business Foundation in Hong Kong and any associated tax benefits.

Japan

Japanese nationals and corporations may use the Japan Foundation’s Designated Donation Program. U-M programs benefiting from such support must be approved by the Japan Foundation as international cultural-exchange projects. These grants have a significant impact on U-M students, faculty, and programs while simultaneously fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding.

More information about the Japan Foundation’s Designated Donation is available at: https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/about/donation/program/index.html.

Mexico

U-M is listed in Publication 78 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. As a result, donations to U-M by taxpayers in Mexico meet the requirements necessary to be considered tax-deductible. Please consult with your financial and tax advisors regarding the specifics of your situation.

United Kingdom

Donors who pay taxes to HM Revenue and Customs may increase the impact of their gift to U-M by directing their support through NPT Transatlantic or the Charities Aid Foundation. Both are registered charities in the United Kingdom. By working through one of these organizations, donors can leverage an additional 25% or more for the program(s) they are supporting. This benefit, known as Gift Aid, increases the value of contributions by allowing U-M to reclaim the tax amount that donors have paid on the money they’re contributing, just as U.K. based charities do. If a donor pays a higher-than-basic tax rate, extra relief on donations can be claimed for the benefit of U-M or the donor.

International Alumni Clubs

The Alumni Association of the University of Michigan has international clubs or contacts in more than 50 locations around the globe. To get involved, visit the Alumni Association Club Finder.

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