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    Champion Free Market Ideas. Shape the Future.

    Your support brings ideas from research into real-world policy.

    For more than 45 years, Mercatus has cultivated thinkers and advanced research that improves policy and expands opportunity. Together, we can continue building a freer, more prosperous society.

    Secure Donation
    Secure Donation
      
    Is my donation secure? 
    Is my donation secure?

    Yes, we use industry-standard SSL technology to keep your information secure.

    We partner with Stripe, the industry's established payment processor trusted by some of the world's largest companies.

    Your sensitive financial information never touches our servers. We send all data directly to Stripe's PCI-compliant servers through SSL.

     
    Is this donation tax-deductible? 
    Is this donation tax-deductible?

    We are an organization eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. Your gift may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance applicable to your specific situation.

    We will email you a donation receipt. Please retain it for your records, as it may be required to substantiate your charitable contribution for tax purposes, subject to applicable law.

     
    Can I cancel my recurring donation?
    Can I cancel my recurring donation?

    Of course. You always remain in full control of your recurring donation, and you’re free to change or cancel it at any time.

     

    Turn Ideas into Action.

    Ideas alone aren’t enough—they must reach the people who can act on them. Your support helps Mercatus bring sound economic thinking to policymakers, equip scholars to lead in today’s debates, and train hundreds of students and emerging free market leaders each year.

    With your partnership, we can continue advancing research, developing talent, and driving meaningful policy change.

    Contact Us
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    Ways to Give

    Immediate Giving Options

    There are many ways to support Mercatus’s mission of advancing sound economic thinking and cultivating the talent that carries ideas into policy. Choose the option that best aligns with your goals.

    By Mail

    Send a check directly to the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

    GMUF-Mercatus Center
    PO Box 358136
    Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5136

    Please make checks payable to The GMU Foundation, with "Mercatus Center" in the memo line.

    Monthly Donation

    Provide sustained support through an automatic monthly gift that strengthens long-term impact.

    Major Gifts

    For larger contributions, ACH or wire transfers may be more efficient than giving online and can help ensure more of your gift goes directly to support our work. Please contact our team to discuss the best approach for your goals.

    Naming Opportunities

    Establish a named chair or fellowship through a leadership gift. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

    MA Fellows Graduation

    Tax-Efficient and Non-Cash Gifts

    Stocks and Bonds

    Donate appreciated securities to potentially reduce capital gains taxes while supporting Mercatus.

    To donate stock, please have your broker contact ours at Merrill Lynch using the following information:

    Account Name: Mercatus Center
    Account: 86Q-04152
    Brokerage: Merrill Lynch
    Broker’s DTC: 8862

    At the time of the transfer, please notify Gary Leff, Chief Financial Officer, at [email protected]. Please provide: 

    1. Your name and address
    2. Name and number of securities transferred 

    IRA and Other Retirement Assets

    Make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) or gift from your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension, or other tax-deferred account.

    Cryptocurrency

    Make a tax-efficient contribution using cryptocurrency through our secure platform.

    Real Estate

    Contribute appreciated property to advance Mercatus’s mission while potentially receiving tax benefits. Please contact [email protected] to make this type of gift.

    Insurance

    Designate Mercatus as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or transfer ownership of a policy as a charitable gift.

    Questions?

    Our donor relations team is always happy to help you explore the best way to give.

    Plan a Legacy Gift

    Plan a Legacy Gift

    A planned gift to the Mercatus Center allows you to support the ideas and people that drive meaningful policy change—while also aligning your giving with your long-term financial and estate plans.

    Planned giving is a powerful way to ensure that ideas grounded in liberty, opportunity, and the principles of free markets continue to shape policy for generations to come.

    Why Consider a Planned Gift?
    • Align your legacy with values you care deeply about
    • Support long-term research and talent development
    • Potentially receive tax and financial benefits
    IOI Event

    Bequest (Will or Trust)

    Include Mercatus in your will or living trust to support future scholars and policy research while retaining full control of your assets during your lifetime.

    Charitable Gift Annuity

    Make a gift that provides fixed income payments for life, with the remainder advancing Mercatus’s research and leadership development.

    Beneficiary Designation

    Name Mercatus as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance policy, or investment account.

    Charitable Remainder Trust

    Establish a charitable remainder trust or similar vehicle that provides income for a period of time, with remaining assets supporting Mercatus’s long-term impact.

    Your Philanthropy Team

    Meet Your Philanthropy Team

    We're here to help you explore giving options and ensure your investment aligns with what matters most to you.

    For general questions, please contact [email protected]. 

    Location:

    3434 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor
    Arlington, VA 22201 

    Main Phone:

    (703) 993-4930

    Toll Free Phone: 

    1 (800) 815-5711

    Fax:

    (703) 993-4935

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Find answers to common questions about giving to the Mercatus Center. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, our team is here to help—contact us at [email protected] or call (703) 993-4930. 

    General Giving

    Is my donation to the Mercatus Center tax-deductible?
    The Mercatus Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Our tax identification number (EIN) is 54-1436224.  

    Will I receive a receipt for my donation?
    You will receive a confirmation and receipt for your records after making a gift.

    Can I designate my gift to a specific program or area?
    You may indicate your preferred area of support when making your donation, and our team will ensure your gift is directed accordingly. 

    What is your refund policy?
    If you have questions about a donation or believe a gift was made in error, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you. 

    Where can I find your Form 990?
    Our most recent Form 990 is available here.

     
    Ways to Give

    What are the best options for making a major gift?
    For larger contributions, ACH or wire transfers may be more efficient than giving online and can help ensure more of your gift goes directly to support our work. Please contact our team to discuss the best approach for your goals.

    How do I donate stock?
    To donate stock, please have your broker contact ours at Merrill Lynch using the information below. At the time of the transfer, please notify Gary Leff, Chief Financial Officer, at [email protected], and include your name, address, and the name and number of securities.

    Account Name: Mercatus Center
    Account: 86Q-04152
    Brokerage: Merrill Lynch
    Broker’s DTC: 8862

    How do I donate through my IRA?
    Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from an IRA can be a tax-efficient way to support Mercatus. Contact us for details on how to initiate a gift.

    How do I make a planned gift?
    Planned giving options—such as bequests, beneficiary designations, or charitable trusts—allow you to support Mercatus while aligning with your long-term financial and estate plans. Visit our Planned Giving page or contact us to learn more.

    How do I donate cryptocurrency?
    Make a tax-efficient contribution using cryptocurrency through our secure platform.

    How do I donate via direct debit?
    You can set up a recurring gift through direct debit by selecting the appropriate option on our donation form.

    How do I donate via PayPal?
    PayPal is available as a payment option on our donation form.

    How do I donate by mail?
    Please mail your donation to:

    GMUF-Mercatus Center
    PO Box 358136
    Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5136

    Please make checks payable to The GMU Foundation, with "Mercatus Center" in the memo line. Mail donations are processed through the George Mason University Foundation.  All gifts designated for the Mercatus Center are used entirely to support our work.