A collage including various photos from Columbia Engineering events in 2025 and alumni photo submissions

Pi Day FAQ

  • How do I decide where to give?

    No matter what your philanthropic passion is, there is something for everyone at Columbia Engineering. Through Pi Day, you can give to the Engineering Annual Fund, which provides flexible funds to support the School of Engineering’s most pressing priorities or support scholarships and fellowships by supporting the Undergraduate Scholarship Fund, Graduate Fellowships, or one of our Community Scholarships. You can choose a specific department like Biomedical Engineering, or one of our Class Scholarships. Wherever you direct your support, your gift will change lives that change the world! 
     

  • How do I make a gift?

    Visit our ways to give to view more information on the common vehicles used to make a gift. Please contact [email protected] with any questions on making a gift during the Pi Day challenge.

  • How can my gifts make a difference?

    Gifts of any size provide funds that can be spent right away on the most pressing needs of the area you’re supporting. Columbia University relies on your annual gifts because endowment funding and tuition do not cover the entire cost of a Columbia education, and endowment funds—while absolutely critical to the mission of the University—can only be spent based on the original donors’ intent, and are often limited to specific areas. Your support on Pi Day allows Columbia Engineering to respond nimbly to opportunities and needs as they arise.

  • Will 100 percent of my gift go to my designated area?

    Yes.

  • Is there a minimum donation amount?

    There is no minimum donation amount. Gifts of all sizes come together to make a collective impact!

  • Can donors make gifts from outside the United States?

    Many international Columbians participate in Pi Day! Donors who pay taxes in other countries should review local tax laws and regulations or consult a professional tax advisor regarding their generosity on Pi Day. For those based in the United Kingdom, Columbia established the Columbia UK Fund Limited to help donors with tax relief. Donors in Hong Kong may give to Columbia and receive tax benefits through our Columbia University Hong Kong Fund registered under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. Learn more here.

  • If my employer offers a matching gift, does this gift count toward Pi Day totals?

    Only the gift you make on Pi Day will be included in totals. However, as soon as your employer's matching gift is processed, it will make an immediate difference for students, faculty, and researchers!

  • Is it safe to make my gift online?

    Yes. The information collected during the giving event is only used by Columbia University. It will not be sold or shared with any third-party organizations.

  • Is my Pi Day contribution tax deductible?

    Yes. Your gift will be entirely tax-deductible. You will receive an email confirmation that will serve as your receipt for tax purposes.

  • What other information do you collect?

    Columbia University is committed to securing the accuracy and privacy of your information. The University uses this website to collect personal contact information, information about your employer, and credit card information. This information is used primarily to process donations to Columbia. In addition, your information could be used to create a record about you in our alumni and donor database, or to update your existing record. This information will be available to Columbia schools, offices, and departments for University-related activities. Your credit card number is never stored in your Columbia record. Learn more about our privacy policy here.