Memorial and honorary gifts

Frequently asked questions

• How can I include Stanford in my loved one’s memorial or obituary?

  We are honored that Stanford held special meaning for your loved one and that you are considering a gift in their memory. Families often ask others to make gifts in memory of their loved one through an announcement in an obituary, memorial service program, or tribute site.

  Here is some sample obituary language that you may find useful:

  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in memory of [name of the deceased] to Stanford University online at memorial.stanford.edu or by mail to Stanford University Development Services, P.O. Box 20466, Stanford, CA 94309-0466. Please make checks payable to Stanford University and include a note with the check or indicate on the memo line that the gift is made “In memory of [name] for [name of school].”

• What areas of the university can I support with honorary or memorial gifts?

  Memorial and honorary gifts can be made to an already-established fund at the university, such as The Stanford Fund for Undergraduate Education, the annual funds of the schools, Stanford Medicine, or to established funds at centers, labs, and institutes.

• Can I create a gift fund named for the deceased or honoree that friends and family can contribute to?

  Endowed gift funds start at $250,000. If you would like information about establishing a named gift fund, please contact secure-memorialgiving@lists.stanford.edu. Please consider that most gifts in lieu of flowers tend to be the equivalent of a bouquet.

• Can my gift in honor or memory of someone be a physical item placed on campus?

  While Stanford gratefully accepts gifts in memory or honor of someone, the university is not normally able to accommodate requests for plaques, trees, benches, or other similar memorials.

• How can I donate to a specific faculty member?

  If you would like to direct a donation to a specific faculty member or program, please contact secure-memorialgiving@lists.stanford.edu for more information on how to make the gift.

• Can I include information on memorial gifts to Stanford in an obituary?

  Yes, if you would like to direct family and friends to make gifts to Stanford in memory of your loved one, share the link memorial.stanford.edu.

  Consider using this language in an obituary, program, or tribute site:

  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in memory of [name of the deceased] to Stanford University online at memorial.stanford.edu or by mail to Stanford University Development Services, P.O. Box 20466, Stanford, CA 94309-0466. Please make checks payable to Stanford University and include a note with the check or indicate on the memo line that the gift is made “In memory of [name] for [title of fund it should be directed to].”

• Will the next of kin be notified of my gift?

  If you would like us to notify someone that you have made an “in memory of” or “in honor of” gift in their name, please provide their name and address so we can send them a notification letter.

• Can I be notified of gifts made in my loved one’s name?

  Please send your name and address, along with the name of the deceased or honoree, to development services at secure-development-services@lists.stanford.edu to be notified of gifts made in your loved one’s name.

• How do I make a gift online?

  Stanford’s secure website is a safe, convenient way to give online. Use the drop down menu on the giving page to select where you would like to direct your gift. Be sure to complete the “In Memory” or “In Honor” portion of the gift form to ensure your gift is properly credited and that the bereaved family or honoree can be notified.

• May I make my gift with a check?

  If you prefer to make a gift by check, please make it payable to Stanford University and indicate the desired fund title on the memo line. You may also indicate whether the gift is in honor of, or in memory of, a friend or loved one on the memo line. Please specify the full name of the deceased or the honoree and the name and address of the individuals you would like us to notify.

  Send your gift to:

  Stanford University Development Services
  P.O. Box 20466
  Stanford, CA 94309-0466