NYS Charitable Tax Credit Program 2026

What is it? 

A limited-time opportunity to make a gift to Empire State University through the SUNY Impact Foundation and receive an extraordinary tax benefit.   

Eligible donors who apply before September 30, 2026, will have 85% of their approved donation as a tax credit on their 2026 New York state income taxes.  

How does the tax benefit work? 

New York State 

  • 85% of your approved contribution is eligible as a tax credit. 
  • 15% is eligible as a tax deduction.
  • You receive the benefit of both the deduction and credit. 

Federal 

  • 15% of your contribution can be deductible if you itemize. 

What is a tax credit? 

A tax credit directly reduces the amount of tax you owe—dollar for dollar. Unlike deductions, which reduce taxable income, credits reduce your actual tax bill. 

What are the requirements to participate? 

  • You must be a New York state resident or have a NYS tax liability.
  • Gifts must come from a personal account - Donor-advised funds, family foundations, IRAs and S-corps are not eligible.
  • Minimum donation: $10,000
  • Maximum donation: $100,000
  • Accepted gift types: Securities, wire/ACH, or credit card. Credit card gifts incur a 3% fee, payable by the donor. 
  • Checks are not accepted.  

What else do I need to know? 

  • Applications must be submitted online by September 30, 2026, to guarantee participation.
  • The program has a $10 million SUNY-wide cap. If exceeded, requested donations will be prorated.
  • You may direct your gift to support the university’s greatest needs via The Fund for SUNY Empire, support an existing endowed fund, or create a new endowed fund. 

How can I participate? 

  1. Contact Toby Tobrocke in the Office for Advancement with your proposed gift amount, and we will send you an online application.
  2. Submit your application online by September 30, 2026, selecting Empire State University as your campus.
  3. In early October, you’ll receive your authorized donation amount and payment instructions.
  4. Make your gift by November 25, 2026 (stock transfers should be initiated by November 20).
  5. You’ll receive a tax receipt in January 2027 for your 2026 filing.
  6. Funds from your gift will be transferred to Empire in February 2027. 

Questions about making a gift to SUNY Empire?  

Please contact our advancement team or: 

Toby Tobrocke
Director of Development:
Toby.Tobrocke@sunyempire.edu 
518-580-4805