Policies and Disclosures

Gift Administrative Fee Policy

The ArtCenter Fund Allocation

In order to provide essential support for the College’s operational needs and ensure that your contributions have a lasting impact, we have introduced a gift administrative fee, to the College’s giving policies.

Effective January 1, 2025, eight percent of each gift made to a restricted fund will be allocated to the ArtCenter Fund. (Read full policy to see exceptions and more information.)

This fee ensures the College has funds directed to support the resources needed to fulfill its mission, meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff, and drive innovation in art and design education, while ensuring our ability to effectively steward our donor resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ArtCenter Fund?

The ArtCenter Fund is an unrestricted donor fund that has been integral to the College’s philanthropic goals since its inception in the 1960s. The ArtCenter Fund is unrestricted, allowing for financial, foundational resources to be directed where needed most, enhancing the College’s ability to achieve its mission, support our students, faculty and staff and accomplish the purpose of any restricted gift. Learn more about the ArtCenter Fund. 

How does the gift allocation work?

If a donor makes a gift of $100 to a restricted fund, $92 (92% of the gift) will be directed to the fund of the donor’s choice, and $8 (8%) will be allocated to the unrestricted ArtCenter Fund.

Can a donor offset the administrative fee?

Yes. Donors who want to ensure that an exact amount is directed to their chosen restricted fund can do so by increasing their total gift to cover the 8% allocation to the ArtCenter Fund.

For example, if a donor wishes exactly $200 to go toward a scholarship for Product Design students, they should divide $200 by 92% (or 0.92), which equals approximately $217.40. This means the donor must make a total gift of $217.40. Of this amount, 8% ($17.40) will be allocated to the ArtCenter Fund, and 92%, exactly $200, will go to the designated scholarship.

Do other colleges have this kind of policy?

ArtCenter’s policy aligns with standard practices among many colleges and universities, as well as other nonprofits across the country.

Is my gift still 100% tax deductible?

Yes, the charitable status of your generosity remains unchanged, as does our deep gratitude.

Are there exemptions to the policy?

The allocation applies to all gifts, with some exceptions. To read more, visit the full policy.