Administrative Gift Fee

• Q: What is the administrative gift fee?

  A: The administrative gift fee is a one-time assessment of six percent on all restricted gifts, including one-time gifts and installments/payments on new pledges made on or after April 1, 2026. This small portion of the total helps ensure that every gift is administered with care, accuracy and in alignment with donor intent. The administrative gift fee is invested into the college to support high standards of donor stewardship, accurate tracking, professional fund disbursement and compliance with donor intent, best practices and legal requirements.

  The fee is capped at $60,000 per restricted gift or commitment. No administrative gift fee will be applied to unrestricted or capital project gifts.

  By funding a portion of our operations through the administrative gift fee, Agnes Scott reduces the impact of donor restrictions on general operating funds, ensuring that more institutional resources can remain focused on student and academic programs.

• Q: Which gifts are free from the administrative gift fee?

  A: The administrative gift fee does not apply to: The Fund for Agnes Scott, The Fund for Agnes Scott: Student Success, The Fund for Agnes Scott: Teaching and Learning, and any capital project, including new construction and building renovation. For gifts or pledges designated to both restricted and unrestricted funds, only the portion allocated to the restricted fund will be subject to the fee.

• Q: How does this compare to other colleges and nonprofits?

  A: A six percent fee is consistent with practices at many other colleges and universities across the country. In fact, many institutions charge between five and fifteen percent for similar purposes and some do not disclose their fees.

• Q: Will payments to existing pledges be charged the administrative gift fee?

  A: Payments on documented pledges made before April 1, 2026, will be exempt from the administrative gift fee. For pledges made prior to April 1, 2026, the donor may opt into the fee program to assist the college.

• Q: Does the administrative gift fee reduce the donor’s tax deduction?

  A: No. The full amount of each gift is considered tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The administrative gift fee is applied internally and does not affect the gift receipt or deduction in any way.

• Q: Does the administrative gift fee change minimum gift thresholds for endowed funds?

  A: No. Donors will be credited for the full gift amount, and this will not affect the minimum endowment or expendable levels required to create a new fund.

• Q: Does the administrative gift fee reduce donor recognition?

  A: No. Donors will be recognized for the full amount of their gift. For alumnae, the full gift amount will be included in their class gift to all funds.

• Q: Can donors cover the administrative gift fee to increase their gift’s impact?

  A: Yes. Donors may choose to cover the fee on top of their gift rather than have it deducted from it. Development officers can assist with this calculation.

• Q: Will the administrative gift fee impact pledge fulfillment?

  A: No. The fee does not impact pledge fulfillment.

• Q: Who can I contact if I have more questions?

  A: Contact Lee Davis, Senior Director of College Advancement, at ldavis@agnesscott.edu or 404.471.5448.