Our charity provides a tax-efficient means for UK donors and donors who pay tax in the US and UK to support the University's learning, research, and educational activities.

Advancing Learning, Research, and Education

Harvard Global Foundation Limited advances learning, research, and education at Harvard University and for other charitable purposes as determined by its Trustees.

Established in 2022, the Foundation is a dual-qualified entity, registered as both a UK charity and as a disregarded entity of our US entity. This registration enables the Foundation to offer tax benefits for donors with tax liability in both the UK and the US. Donors who are taxed solely in the UK may also make tax efficient gifts to the Foundation. The Foundation's charity number is 1200419.

Benefits of Giving through the Foundation

Tax Relief for Donors

For UK Donors: As a UK Charity, the Foundation can accept tax-relieved cash donations from UK taxpayers via Gift Aid. This enables donors to further support the University's research and educational activities in a tax-efficient way. Under Gift Aid, the Foundation receives a repayment of the donor's basic rate tax, and donors in higher UK tax brackets may be able to claim a tax deduction.

For Donors who pay tax in the US and UK: Beyond Gift Aid, these donors may benefit from US income tax deduction for their donation to the Foundation, including the Gift Aid repaid to the Foundation. Donors claim the deduction on their US tax return in the same way US donors claim reliefs when giving to Harvard University (and subject to the usual limitations).

Greater Value and Impact for Your Donation

Gift Aid allows the Foundation to claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated. This means a donor’s cash donation goes 25% further without any additional cost to them. Additionally, if they benefit from a personal UK income tax relief, their actual cost of making the gift of £1.25 may be even less. Learn more about Gift Aid.

Ways to Give

Harvard Global Foundation can accept the following donations:

  • Bank transfer
  • Check
  • Shares* via brokerage transfer to the Foundation's brokerage account (liquidated upon receipt)
  • Bequests* (may be eligible for UK Inheritance Tax Relief)
  • Credit card, via JustGiving (third-party platform that accepts several currencies but fees apply)

*Non-cash donations are not eligible for Gift Aid.

The Foundation's fiscal year is July 1-June 30. To be recorded within our fiscal year, we must receive donations by June 15.

Consult with a tax advisor if you have questions about how donations and/or Gift Aid affect your personal tax. Harvard University, Harvard Global, and the Foundation cannot offer tax advice.

Questions and Contact

Sandra Fernandes, Administrator