Together we can touch lives.

Join us as we support exceptional graduate students and faculty shaping higher education and society.

For 75 years, the Institute for Citizens & Scholars has prepared new generations of American citizenry by opening doors to higher education; supporting visionary thinkers, scholars, and teachers; and creating a thoughtful space for innovation. Your gift will make an important impact on these leaders’ groundbreaking research, teaching, and public service for years to come. Consider the amazing things we can accomplish.

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Recent News

Legislative changes took effect January 1—changes that may impact how or when you choose to make a charitable gift.

  • A new deduction for nonitemizers. Claim an above-the-line deduction of up to $1,000 ($2,000 for joint filers) for cash gifts to qualified public charities (excluding donor-advised funds). If you don’t typically itemize your taxes, this is a new opportunity to save.
  • A new cap on deductions for top earners. Itemizers in the 37% tax bracket will have the tax benefit of their deductions capped at 35%.
  • A new minimum giving threshold. Itemizers may only deduct gift amounts that surpass 0.5% of their adjusted gross income. You may want to consider bunching gifts for multiple years into one tax year to exceed both the giving floor and the high standard deduction.

One thing hasn’t changed—charitable giving is still a powerful way to make a difference, create a legacy, and make the most of tax-smart planning.

Your IRA: A Versatile Giving Tool

Claw hammers are built for two completely opposite functions—pounding in nails and pulling them out. That claw isn’t an afterthought, but some people never notice it until someone points it out to them. Your IRA also has two different functions—saving and giving. If you are age 70½ or older, you might consider shifting from tax-advantaged retirement savings to easy, strategic philanthropy.

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Thank you!

We appreciate your unique connection to Citizens & Scholars—and so do the talented people who receive our fellowships.

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Check out our FAQ

Do you have questions about making a gift to Citizens & Scholars but don’t know where to start?

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Leave an Enduring Legacy

The Fellows Legacy Society: Honoring the Transformative Power of Planned Giving

You hold the key to shaping a brighter future by creating opportunities for talented individuals to flourish. By including Citizens & Scholars in your estate plan, you advance our mission, create a meaningful legacy, and qualify to join other supporters as part of the Fellows Legacy Society.

Information contained in this website is current at the time of posting. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered technical or legal advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or other professional advisor when planning a charitable gift.