Giving
together, we're creating a
Culture of Philanthropy
Philanthropy at Williams is about more than giving — it is about investing in people, programs, and places that shape the student experience every day. Together, alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends help strengthen a community rooted in our core values of Scholarship, Character, and Community.
Through collective support, we are expanding opportunities for students, enhancing teaching and learning, fostering belonging, and ensuring Williams continues to thrive for generations to come. At Williams, every gift helps move the School forward.
invest in williams today!
Your gift supports the
PEOPLE of Williams!
Your gift our students, faculty, staff, and our incredible community of families, past, present, and future. When we think about the more than 5,000 members of the Williams community invested in its success, the growth of our people remains our highest priority.
Whether it’s teachers sparking curiosity and creating meaningful learning experiences, or families connecting and collaborating with the School, the PEOPLE of the Williams community are essential to our future.
Your gift supports the
PROGRAMS of Williams!
Your gift allows our programs to evolve and to meet the needs of students in a changing world—expanding opportunities in the arts, athletics, leadership, experiential learning, and academic innovation. These programs are where curiosity turns into passion, and passion turns into purpose.
When students find their voice in a debate, perform under the lights, collaborate on a science project, or compete with pride as part of a team, they are building skills that last far beyond their time at Williams. These experiences are made possible through the strength and growth of our programs.
Your gift supports the
PLACES at Williams
Your gift is an investment in the physical places and environments at Williams where students feel supported, inspired, and ready to take risks. Over time, our campus has grown to meet the needs of modern learners, creating spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, and connection.
From updated classrooms and labs to gathering spaces that bring our community together, our places play a vital role in shaping the student experience. They allow teachers to teach innovatively and students to learn with confidence and curiosity.
Taxwise Charitable Giving Strategies
Changes to the Tax Code
As of January 1, 2026, how—and when—you choose to give to Williams could be affected by new laws.
If you’re planning a special gift or want to tailor the timing to your tax situation, now is a great time to talk with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor to optimize your charitable giving.
As always, please reach out to the Development team if we can help with any questions about your charitable giving. We welcome the opportunity to connect with you.
Taxwise Charitable Giving Strategies
More Restrictive Rules Began in 2026
Starting with the new 2026 tax year, the tax law introduces several changes that can reduce the tax advantage of giving for many donors.
A Deduction “Floor” for Itemizers
Only the portion of contributions above 0.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) will be deductible if you itemize — which didn’t apply in 2025.
Lower Tax Benefit for High Capacity Donors
The maximum effective tax benefit for charitable deductions for top-bracket taxpayers (37%) drops to about 35%, slightly reducing the value of large gifts if delayed until 2026.
Taxwise Charitable Giving Strategies
New Benefits in 2026—but Not for Everyone
As of January 1, 2026:
Non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (married) in charitable cash gifts even without itemizing. This is a new above-the-line deduction many taxpayers haven’t had before.
However:
That new deduction doesn’t apply to gifts made to donor-advised funds or private foundations.
For people who do itemize now, the 2026 rules introduce floors and deduction caps that could reduce the tax benefit compared to 2025.
Taxwise Charitable Giving Strategies
Charitable Giving - Timing Matters
If you don’t itemize or make smaller annual gifts:
Giving in 2026 may be appealing because of the above-the-line deduction that helps even non-itemizers save on taxes.
Learn More
It's easy to support Williams.
Leadership Giving at Williams
Leadership donors demonstrate a level of generosity and commitment that ensures Williams’ mission and three core values of Scholarship, Character, and Community. To show our appreciation for our most generous supporters and their belief in the work we do here, we have created Leadership Giving recognition societies.
Join UsWays to Give
Learn more about the many ways to make a gift or to fulfill a pledge to The Williams School. Some of which have added benefits to you depending on your age, the type of asset contributed, and the form of gift you select.
Find Out MoreMaking a Pledge
Can’t give today? Consider making a pledge which will need to be paid by the last day of our fiscal year, June 30th. Pledges to Williams can be one-time or be paid over three to five years.
Pledge Today