Take The IU Founders and Funders Pledge

The IU Founders and Funders Pledge is a partnership between the IU Foundation, the IU Alumni Association and IU Ventures. It’s intended to provide a flexible pathway for founders, equity holders, or investors to provide a nonbinding philanthropic commitment to IU – to be fulfilled as future success is attained. Those who make the IU Founders and Funders Pledge retain control of the amount, timing, and area of designation of their gift. Pledge takers may direct their pledge to any campus, unit, or program at IU and designation does not need to be decided until the time of the actual gift.

As an exit period approaches, consultation (including connections to gift planning experts at IU who can work with your financial and tax advisors) will help determine the best path forward (cash vs. stock, etc.)

Simply complete the IU Founders and Funders Pledge form on the website. Our team will follow up with some basic questions. Moving forward, IU will ask for regular updates to help ensure our records and your intentions are current and accurate. When the time is right – typically as you approach an exit period – our team can connect you to gift planning experts at IU who can work with your financial and tax advisers to help arrange a gift, determine whether a gift of cash vs. stock is preferable, etc.

Community – Members join an exceptional community of like-minded IU-affiliated innovators, entrepreneurs and investors who support IU’s work, ideals, and mission

Leadership – Pledges provide a tangible and outward symbol of integrating philanthropy into your business goals and objectives and inspire others to do the same

Connection – Members get access to the IU Founders and Funders Pledge Network, invitations to special events, and the startup-savvy team at IU Ventures who can connect you to a wide array of resources at IU and beyond.

No. We get it. Things change. The IU Founders and Funders Pledge is a nonbinding commitment. If your circumstances change just drop us a line so we can update our records.

You may direct your pledge to any campus, unit, or program at IU. Designation does not need to be decided until the time of the actual gift. But, if you know the area you want to support – let us know. You can always update this designation at any time.

No. There is no minimum. Every gift, no matter the size, helps IU. Pledges should be personally significant, reflect your unique situation and be aligned with goals you have for impacting IU and the world.

There are no immediate tax implications associated with taking the IU Founders and Funders Pledge. The taxable event occurs later at the time of pledge fulfillment with a gift to IU. We always recommend donors consult with their own financial and tax advisers when considering tax implications.