Alumni and Giving

What is the Annual Fund?

What is the Annual Fund?

The Duke Law Annual Fund is a vital source of unrestricted support for Duke Law School. The Annual Fund supports all aspects of educating a student at Duke. Annual Fund dollars support:


Importance of the Annual Fund

The Annual Fund, which netted over $2.04 million in fiscal year 2007, is particularly important to Duke because the Law School has a smaller endowment than most of the schools with which it competes for students and faculty. Because of its smaller endowment, Duke Law School relies on Annual Fund dollars to pick up where endowment income and tuition revenue leave off to address the School's most pressing needs. For example, Annual Fund dollars might be used to recruit new faculty, to offer financial assistance to qualified students who might otherwise be unable to attend Duke, or to support a new clinical offering.


Who supports the Annual Fund?

Duke Law School relies on alumni, parents and friends to support and grow its Annual Fund. Alumni participation continues to be an important focus because many of Duke's peer law schools, such as Penn, NYU, and Virginia, have much higher participation rates. Duke needs to do as well as these schools to maintain its quality and reputation as a top law school.


How can I support the Annual Fund?

Gifts to the Annual Fund are accepted year-round, and can be made with a credit card online, with a check mailed to Duke Law School, Box 90389, Durham, NC 27708, by telephone at 919-613-7012 or 888-LAW-ALUM, or with a transfer of stock. For information about making a gift of stock, please call Blossom Gardner in the University's Office of Gift Records at 919-684-2338.

When should I support the Annual Fund?

The Duke Law Annual Fund operates on a fiscal year that begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Making a gift early in the fiscal year relieves the Law School of the need, and cost, of sending reminders throughout the year and saves you from being solicited multiple times. Many alumni prefer to make their gift at the end of the calendar year to take advantage of the IRS tax benefit.

The Annual Fund also has long term giving options that limit the number of solicitations you receive and allows you to support your alma mater in a consistent manner.


What is the Barrister Donor Society?

The Barrister Donor Society is the Law School's Leadership giving society. Learn more about becoming a Barrister.


Does my $100 gift to the Annual Fund really make a difference?

Absolutely. A gift to the Duke Law Annual Fund - at any amount - helps the Law School reach its participation goal. Participation is important because it sends a message to potential students and funders that Duke Law School graduates appreciate the degree they received at Duke. Participation also inspires other classmates to give and helps alums and friends feel connected to the Law School. Many businesses also offer matching gift programs that can significantly increase the size of any gift. Learn more about matching gifts.


What does my gift do?