Commit to Educational Excellence in the Caribbean by Donating to the UWI


I believe I can speak on behalf of all alumni of this University - and there are now more than 75,000 living all over the world – when I say how personally proud I am of The University of the West Indies and everything it has given me: a great education, cherished friendships and exceptional opportunities in my professional and community activities. I hope that in reading this, you will see how important philanthropic gifts, both large and small, are and will realize that every person or business who supports The UWI, whether graduate, student, friend, parent, corporation or foundation, shares in its success.

Private support funding plays a critical role in helping The University of the West Indies meet needs fundamental to its mission – from research funding to library support to classroom and technological improvements, to student financial aid. We invite you to donate your time, share your talent and contribute your resources. The excellence that happens at the UWI occurs largely because of the care and support of so many people. The Institutional Advancement Division Team believes that, in today’s world, there is no greater cause that the advancement of higher education and knowledge and we invite you to show support and help launch a strong tradition of philanthropy.


Celia Davidson Francis
Director, Alumni Relations


How to donate if you are in the USA


The AFUWI is a 501( c ) (3) tax-exempt organization and gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws.

Make cheque payable to the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI)
(Credit card: Give card type, number and expiration date)
Account Number: 309-34793-13-475 Smith Barney
Attn: Jeff Blumenthal
345 Park Avenue, 21st Floor
New York, N.Y. 10154-0101
USA


An easy way to keep on giving – the First Caribbean UWI VISA Credit Card : You can be a donor to the UWI just be having a UWI VISA Credit card! It is the first credit card exclusively for UWI alumni, students and staff, which also lets you enjoy lower fees and preferential rates. PLUS, every time an account is opened and every time your UWI VISA credit card is used to make a purchase, the University will benefit financially and you will be supporting its continued development. This card is available in VISA Classic, Gold and Platinum to suit your lifestyle.


UWIAA Chapters and members, as well as graduates generally, are encouraged to support the UWI Legacy Programme which is a part of the IAD’s philanthropic thrust.


We invite UWI graduates to remember the University of the West Indies in their Wills and wish to note that ALL bequests are valued, no matter the size. Kindly discuss with your lawyers the best way to include the UWI in your will.


Your gift through the UWI Legacy Programme will assist:

  • Undergraduate scholarships
  • Postgraduate scholarships
  • The buildings and facilities of the UWI
  • Financial support for students in need
  • Endowed Chairs


* You may designate/specify any of the above or give to the general fund which will assign the funds to the area of greatest need.

There are 4 main kinds of legacies:


Pecuniary legacy - A straightforward gift of a specific amount of money. (Note: to keep the value of a pecuniary legacy up to date, you can index-link your legacy, or review your Will at intervals, or add a Codicil).


Residuary bequest - This involves the bequest of the residue of your net estate after other legacies and provisions have been made. A residue may be left to one recipient or divided. The testator does not have to decide the exact amount of the bequest.


Life interest - Another way of helping the University of the West Indies is to leave money or other assets to UWI after the death of your spouse or other relative. This means that they benefit from your estate during their lifetime, but afterwards the assets pass to UWI. Your attorney can advise any tax relief implications.


Non-pecuniary legacy - It is possible to leave gifts in the form of shares or other assets such as property, artwork or other valuables which can then be sold. This can be an attractive option if the assets have appreciated in value over the years and would be liable to Capital Gains Tax if sold by the owner.

Individuals are encouraged to let UWI know about their intended gifts by "registering" with the University Legal Counsel or IAD for follow up purposes.