NICHD is a research agency of the federal government funded by congressional appropriations. It does not solicit funds or participate in fundraising activities, but is authorized by Congress to accept gifts and bequests of money or personal property for the purpose of carrying out its activities, pursuant to Sections 231 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.
Acceptance of any gift is a discretionary administrative decision based on program needs and public policy considerations. NICHD is able to accept most gifts, as long as any conditions of the gift are not illegal, contrary to public policy, or burdensome, and as long as accepting the gift would not create a real or apparent conflict of interest.
Gifts may either be unconditional, for example, "to NICHD to promote overall child health," or conditional, for example, "to the NICHD to support [a particular study or area of research]."
How do I donate?
Donation checks or money orders should be made payable to the "Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development" and sent to the following address:
Director
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive
Building 31, Room 2A03
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
Please send a donation letter along with the check or money order indicating that the donation is to be used to support the NICHD mission. NICHD acknowledges all donations with a letter to the donor if the name and address of the donor are provided.
May I donate in memory or in honor of a person?
Yes, you can make a donation in memory or in honor of a person. Please include the name of the person who is being remembered or honored in the letter accompanying your check or money order, as well as the name(s) and address(es) of the individual(s) who you would like us to notify about the donation. NICHD will not include the amount of your donation in the letter of notification.
May I include a bequest to NICHD in my will?
Yes. If you are considering leaving money to NICHD in your will, please provide the NICHD mailing address (above) in your will. Please also indicate that the bequest is to be used to support the mission of NICHD.
How are donations used?
Donations are deposited in NICHD’s Gift Fund and used for special projects in support of the NICHD research mission. Projects supported through the Gift Fund vary from year to year, depending on the needs of the institute.
Can donations be made for a specific type of research?
Yes. All donations to the institute are used for research and research-related activities within the NICHD mission, as determined by the NICHD Director. You may specify your donation is for a specific type of research within the institute’s portfolio. Please specify this information in the letter that accompanies your donation.
Are donations to NICHD tax-deductible?
Yes, gifts made to NICHD are tax-deductible as charitable contributions under section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. However, you should consult with your tax advisor for a definite answer or advice on how to deduct the donation.
Whom should I contact if I have questions?
If you have further questions, send a letter to NICHD at the address above or call the NICHD Associate Director for Administration at 301-496-0648 or NICHD Budget Officer at 301-435-3410.