If you would like to help students rise today, consider the giving options below — many of which have financial and personal benefits to you.
You can learn more about these special opportunities in our free brochure, Maximizing Your Philanthropic Impact, and other complimentary planning resources. These resources are just a click away!
Donate Now
To support Dakota State University’s current work, make a gift online or by mail:
Mail to:
Dakota State University Foundation
820 Washington Ave N
Madison, SD 57042
Recommend a grant now from your donor-advised fund
You can use your donor-advised fund (DAF) to make a one-time gift, or to create a recurring monthly or quarterly gift for even more impact.
You can conveniently initiate a grant from your DAF using the link below. Simply type in the name of your fund sponsor and the system will prompt you through the process.
Memorial or Tribute Gift
When you give a memorial or tribute gift to DSU to honor someone special, you’re expressing your love, admiration, and gratitude in one of the most meaningful ways there is. Your gift will honor your loved one, create a lasting tribute, and keep DSU on the leading edge.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
You can use stocks, bonds, and mutual funds that have appreciated in value to champion our shared vision. You may receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock (up to a maximum of 30% of your adjusted gross income) and avoid paying the capital gains tax on any increase in the value of the stock.
Matching Gift Opportunities
Would you like to maximize the impact of your giving and encourage other alumni to mobilize on behalf of innovative education and research? Consider sponsoring a matching gift challenge. Donate a pool of funds to DSU, from which we will match any donation made within a given period of time. In this way, you can double the impact of your giving.
Qualified Charitable Distribution
You can transfer funds from your IRA directly to DSU. This is an effective way to have an immediate impact and ensure we all rise together. Here’s how it works:
- You must be 70 ½ or older.
- An individual may transfer up to $108,000 per year, and a married couple may give up to $216,000.
- Your gift must be transferred directly from the IRA account to DSU.
- Your gift is a transfer of funds from your IRA to DSU, so it does not count as income for the year.
- If you are 73 and older, the transfer of funds counts towards your annual Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA.
Real-World Example:
A donor turning 73 has an RMD of $30,000, but doesn’t need the income. Instead of withdrawing the funds and paying ordinary income tax, their advisor recommends a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) that will allow the donors to support their endowment at DSU, local church and medical center while meeting their RMD. The distribution will come directly from their IRA without having to pay ordinary income tax, and the distribution counts towards the RMD.
You can download a sample letter for your IRA administrator here to start the distribution process. You may also be able to request a qualified charitable distribution through your online account portal.
Please note: If you are still working and contributing to a retirement account, this gift could impact your taxable income. Please consult a qualified advisor before making a gift.
A Fellow Champion
Shirley Blankley’s gift to the Trojans Unite campaign, and generous endowment, has created a lasting benefit for Dakota State University’s football program. Today, Blankley Field at SDU is named in honor of Shirley and her late husband, “Big George” Blankley. Focused on providing scholarships to top football players, with an emphasis on South Dakota residents and students requiring financial aid, this gift has already made a meaningful difference.


Mike McKelvey
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
mike.mckelvey@dsu.edu
dsu's advancement Team is Here to Help
Our experienced team is here to help you…
- Learn about special projects that align with your interests.
- Structure a donation that maximizes benefits for you and your loved ones.
- Stay up to date on how your gift is used.
- And more!