Otterbein’s giving societies recognize the remarkable difference our generous donors make across the university.

We are extremely grateful for the philanthropic support each year from alumni, parents, and friends. In appreciation of this investment in our mission, Otterbein recognizes donors of all levels in a variety of ways, including:

• Mary. B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award
• Annual Giving Societies
• Named Campus Buildings and Spaces
• Donor Recognition Events
• Impact Reports
  • STAND Campaign Impact Report (PDF)

Donor Bill of Rights
Otterbein University strives to uphold the ideals of the Donor Bill of Rights. The Donor Bill of Rights ensures that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support. It was created by the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel (AAFRC), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a gift to Otterbein University?

• Online
  Our secure online giving form is the easiest way to make your gift. To make an immediate gift using your credit or debit card, please visit www.otterbein.edu/give.

• Phone 
  If you prefer to make your gift over the phone, please call 614-823-1400 or call toll free at 888-614-2600.

• Mail
  To mail a gift, please make your check payable to Otterbein University. If you wish to designate your gift to a certain area, please write that in the memo line of the check.
  Mailing address:

  Otterbein University
  Attn: Institutional Advancement
  1 S. Grove Street
  Westerville, OH 43081

  For security and safety reasons, do not mail cash donations. Instead, please deliver to:

  Otterbein University
  Attn: Institutional Advancement
  131 W. Park Street
  Westerville, OH 43081

What are the different ways I can choose to support?
Otterbein offers a variety of ways you can choose to make your donation. Click here to learn more about how to give.

Can I choose what my gift supports?
Absolutely! Otterbein University believes you should be able to support what matters most to YOU. In addition to a number of pre-established endowed funds that support a variety of areas, we also encourage donors to consider supporting the Otterbein Fund, our unrestricted fund that helps to support the greatest needs of the University each year. For more information, please contact Tracy Rush at trush@otterbein.edu or 614-823-1290.

In addition, if you are interested in establishing your own endowed fund, click here for more information.

When is the best time to make my gift?
This depends on your philanthropic goals. Otterbein’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. If you make your gift between those months, your contribution will count toward the University’s fundraising goal that fiscal year. To take advantage of tax benefits, your gift must be made by the end of the calendar year. Please consult a financial adviser if you are considering the tax advantages of making a gift to Otterbein.

I can’t make a large donation to Otterbein. Does my gift even make a difference?
Most definitely, yes! Every gift to Otterbein, no matter the size, supports our students and advances the work of our faculty.

Can you charge my credit card on a recurring schedule for my gift?
Yes. You can authorize your credit card to be automatically charged on an ongoing or limited basis. Simply check the “recurring” box on the giving form when you make your donation.

What is a giving society? How do I qualify for one?
Otterbein University’s giving societies honor and recognize donors for their continued support of our mission and vision. Learn about how you can qualify for each society.

Can I make a gift in honor or memory of someone?
Yes, this type of gift is a thoughtful and meaningful way to recognize the accomplishments or memory of a colleague, professor, friend, or relative. Our online giving form will allow you to indicate if your gift is in honor or memory of someone. If you are sending a donation into our office, please indicate their name on the memo line of your check. The Office of Advancement Services notifies the honoree or living relative(s) regarding all gifts made in this way.

Dedicated trees and benches are also thoughtful gestures to memorialize loved ones, however, the University has in place special giving policies for such circumstances, which take into account the ability for trees/benches to be maintained by our Facilities department on an annual basis, as well as the overall campus grounds master planning. For more information, contact the Advancement Services Team and Donor Relations Team at 614-823-1639.

How much of my gift is tax-deductible?
That depends on the nature of your gift. Most gifts are at least partially deductible. If you receive any goods or services in return for your gift, such as auction items or tickets, the fair-market value of those items is not tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor to determine the tax deductibility of your gift.

Who do I contact to find out information about a gift I’ve already made?
The Advancement Services Team would be happy to assist you. Please call 614-823-1290 or email trush@otterbein.edu .

How do I set up a scholarship?
If you’d like to create a scholarship, please contact Kathleen Bonte, the Executive Director of Development, at kbonte@otterbein.edu or 614-823-2707. We’ll work with you to better understand your vision for the scholarship, as well as your financial commitment.