Ways to Give

There are many meaningful ways to support South Dakota Mines. Whether you’re making an immediate impact or planning a legacy gift, every contribution helps shape the future of our students and the university. Below are the many ways you can give:

Cash Gifts

Cash gifts are the simplest and most direct way to support South Dakota Mines. You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring monthly contributions. Gifts can be made by check, credit card, or online. These contributions are immediately available to support scholarships, faculty, research, and other areas of need. 

Checks payable to SD Mines CARA can be mailed to SD Mines CARA, 330 E Kansas City St, Rapid City, SD 57701

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

A Donor-Advised Fund is a convenient and flexible way to support South Dakota Mines. You can recommend grants to the university from your DAF at any time, allowing you to take advantage of tax benefits while strategically planning your charitable giving. Many donors use DAFs to make recurring gifts or to respond quickly to special initiatives. To recommend a grant, simply contact your fund administrator and provide them with our legal name (SDSM&T Center for Alumni Relations & Advancement) and tax ID (46-6011771).


IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift directly from your IRA to South Dakota Mines. These Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) count toward your required minimum distribution and can reduce your taxable income—while making a meaningful difference for our students.

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Stock & Appreciated Securities

Gifts of appreciated stock or securities can offer substantial tax advantages. You can avoid capital gains taxes while receiving a charitable deduction for the full market value. This method is ideal for those looking to make a larger impact without affecting their cash flow.

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Matching Gifts

Many companies offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple your impact. If your employer participates, your gift to South Dakota Mines may go even further. Check with your HR department to see if your company matches charitable donations.

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Wills & Bequests

One of the easiest and most popular ways to leave a legacy is by including South Dakota Mines in your will or trust. A bequest costs nothing now and allows you to retain full control of your assets during your lifetime. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset.

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Charitable Gift Annuities

A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) allows you to make a gift to South Dakota Mines while receiving fixed income payments for life. After your lifetime, the remaining balance supports the university. This option offers tax benefits and is a smart way to support Mines while ensuring your own financial security. To recommend a grant, simply contact your fund administrator and provide them with our legal name (SDSM&T Center for Alumni Relations & Advancement) and tax ID (46-6011771).

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Real Estate

Donating real estate—such as a home or land—can provide significant tax benefits and eliminate the burden of selling the property. Real estate gifts can be used to fund current needs or to create an endowed fund, depending on your goals.

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Charitable Trusts

Charitable Remainder Trusts allow you to support South Dakota Mines while also achieving estate and financial planning goals. These trusts can provide income to you or your beneficiaries for a set period of time, with the remaining assets going to the university. They offer valuable tax advantages and flexibility.

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Gifts-In-Kind

Gifts-in-kind include equipment, technology, or other tangible items that benefit our campus community. These gifts must support the university’s mission and can often be counted as charitable donations for tax purposes. If you have a non-cash gift in mind, we’re happy to discuss its potential value and use.

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Let us help you find the giving option that best fits your goals. For more information or to start a conversation, please contact our team at cara@sdsmt.edu.