Give to Honors

Support from Honors alumni and friends play a vital role in the success and growth of the Honors College. Every gift, large or small, gives students opportunities to become agile, innovative thinkers, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners through programs that challenge their minds in new ways. You can choose to give to a specific program or make an unrestricted gift to support the greatest needs. Here are a few meaningful ways to contribute:

ONLINE

Make a single or recurring gift at: giving.uh.edu/honors-college

CHECK

Make your check payable to:
The Honors College, University of Houston
M.D. Anderson Library
4333 University Dr Room 212
Houston, TX 77204-2001

WIRE TRANSFER or ACH

Please contact our Gift Processing Officer Emily Bhatti at ebhatti3@central.uh.edu to receive secure payment details.

STRATEGIC PRIORITES

Honors College Scholarship Fund

Gifts to the HOnors College Scholarship Fund directly support scholarships, special projects, and priority needs within the Honors College. Your contribution has an immediate impact and is tax-deductible as a charitable gift.

Learning Abroad/ Away

Many UH Honors students face financial and personal barriers to studying abroad. The Honors College is working to create a program that opens doors for international study, research, internships, and language immersion. With the support of scholarships to cover costs beyond regular tuition, our students will gain invaluable global experience and remain competitive with peers nationwide — both in their academic journey and in applying to graduate programs.

Ross Lence Master Teacher Residency

Honor the legacy of Ross M. Lence by supporting the Lence Master Teacher Residency program. Inspired by his passion for transformative undergraduate education, this program brings distinguished scholars to UH to engage students and faculty in the spirit of Lence’s dynamic, thought-provoking teaching. Your gift helps keep his vision alive one conversation at a time.

The Great Conversation

Our signature fundraising event, The Great Conversation brings together over 300 guests each year for lively dialogue in support of the Honors College. Proceeds fund student scholarships and provide critical support for faculty and programs.

ENDOWMENTS

Dr. Ted L. Estess Honors Scholarship Endowment

Named for the founding dean, this scholarship honors Dr. Ted Estess’s legacy by supporting high-achieving students who show strong potential for leadership and service. Estess Scholars enrich the Honors College through academic excellence, global engagement, and active participation in campus life.

Endowed Scholarships

Scholarship gifts help the Honors College attract top students and ensure access to education regardless of financial background. You can create a lasting impact with a named endowed scholarship starting at $25,000, contribute to an existing fund, or provide immediate support through a non-endowed scholarship.

Endowed Chairs and Professorships

Endowed professorships and chairs provide the Honors College with the ability to attract and recognize distinguished members of the faculty. Donors may establish an endowment or contribute to an existing one. Currently, donors may establish a professorship at the University of Houston in the Honors College with a gift of $500,000.

Giving FAQs

What is the Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund provides crucial day-to-day operating support for the Honors College’s programs. Annual gifts from friends and alumni help bridge the gap between state support and the true cost of educating students.

How much of my gift is tax deductible?

That depends on the nature of your gift, but most gifts are at least partly 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.

Contributions to UH are subject to IRS Code sections 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) and 170(b)(1)(A)(v).

Can I make a gift in installments?

Yes, donors often pledge gifts to be paid over time. For example, a donor who makes a $1,000 pledge might choose to fulfill the commitment with two $500 payments over the course of a year, or a donor who pledges $25,000 might complete the commitment over five years.

What kind of assets may I give?

The University of Houston accepts a wide range of gifts, including cash, securities, real estate, art, jewelry, equipment, intellectual property, mineral rights, oil and gas interests, timber, cattle, and limited partnership interests. All gifts are subject to review by the University's Gift Acceptance Committee.

How does one establish an endowed scholarship?

Scholarships remain one of the most gratifying giving opportunities for our donors. A scholarship for one student can be fully endowed with a gift of $25,000 or more. A $140,000 endowment will provide a scholarship for living expenses, tuition, books, personal costs, and transportation.

If I establish a scholarship, will I be involved in the selection of student recipients?

The Honors College maintains a scholarship committee that reviews applications and makes the final determination. Donors do not participate in the final selection process. However, donors are encouraged to meet with scholarship recipients through regular awards luncheons and other planned activities.

How are endowment gifts managed?

Endowment gifts to the Honors College and the University of Houston System are placed in the University of Houston System Endowment Fund for investment and oversight purposes. The UHS Board of Regents has adopted the broad objective of investing endowment assets to preserve both their real value and the long-range purchasing power of endowment income. The board seeks superior investment returns through a diversified, professionally managed portfolio that minimize risks. Endowments may also be established at the University of Houston Foundation.

Are unrestricted gifts allowed?

An unrestricted gift is a gift that is given without any restrictions on its use. Unrestricted gifts provide the college the flexibility it needs to place resources where they are most needed or where opportunities are greatest (such as student aid, faculty support, new initiatives, supplies and equipment).

Will my company match my gifts to the Honors College?

Many corporations have matching gift programs and match their employees' charitable contributions. Your support for the Honors College can be doubled or possibly tripled if your company matches gifts. Contact your employer's Human Resources Department to learn if your company has a matching gift program and to obtain the appropriate form. Include the completed matching gift form with your gift to the Honors College. More matching gifts information is available at matchinggifts.com/uh.

GIVE NOW AND MAKE AN IMPACT TODAY

Your gift matters. Donate now.

For more information about giving to Honors, contact Emily Bhatti at ebhatti3@central.uh.edu