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How to Embark

A Meaningful Graduation Gift: Support Students with a Gift That Lasts.

Give the graduating students in your life a present that lasts longer than cash. Save for their future with Embark, and find out how to support the next step in their education journey.

At a glance:

  • This graduation season, invite your loved ones to support your kid’s future by making gift contributions with Embark.
  • Every Embark account has a gifting page, so it’s easy for friends and family to contribute online.
  • Loved ones can also transfer their BottleDrop deposits to an Embark account, and find out how small amounts can add up over time.
  • Plus, anyone who gifts to an Embark account can also earn a refundable Oregon tax credit worth up to $380.

Celebrate graduation season in style.

As the school year comes to a close, graduation is top of mind for everyone. Whether your kids are being promoted from kindergarten, moving on from fifth grade, or graduating from high school, it’s a time to think about the future.

While cards, cash, and parties are classic ways to celebrate students during graduation season, saving for their future with Embark can support them long-term. And since every Embark account has a unique gifting page, it’s simple for friends and family to lend a hand with gift contributions.

A gift for everyone.

Money saved with Embark can help kids pay for whatever educational path they pick. Those funds can go towards culinary school, an electrician apprenticeship, college, and so much more. Plus, that money can also cover education expenses like textbooks, supplies, and room and board.

Gift contributions don’t need to be big. Small amounts, like $10 at the end of every school year, can really add up. And since those funds grow tax-free, they can grow faster than a traditional investment or savings account. Everyone who contributes to an Embark account can earn a refundable Oregon income tax credit, worth up to $380. So when you gift with Embark, you can give yourself an extra boost at tax time.

“The gifting program for Embark is wonderful. It allows all the people in your child's life who love them to give funds directly to their account. All of those gifts really add up over time.”

— Stacy, Eugene

Invite your loved ones to contribute.

Saving for your kid’s education doesn’t have to be a solo effort. That’s why every Embark account comes with a unique gifting page. When you share that link with friends and family, it’s an invitation to join your kid’s education journey. And while a gift contribution can help lighten the load on you, it also gives your loved ones an opportunity to give a gift that matters, and lend their support in a lasting way. Now that’s a win-win!

How to access and share your gifting page.

  1. Start by opening or logging in to your Embark account.
  2. In the “Overview” tab, find the Gifting tile and click “Manage.”
  3. From there you can customize your gifting goal, update your allocation choices, and view activity online at any time.
  4. You can share your page by clicking “Copy Link,” or send it directly to loved ones with the “SMS” or “Email” buttons.

Giving a gift is easier than ever.

Whether you’re a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or a family friend, deciding on what to get a student for graduation can be tough. But with Embark, your graduation gift doesn’t just mark the occasion. It helps the kid in your life move forward and pursue their dreams. And there’s more than one way to gift with Embark.

Make an online contribution.
If your loved one already has an Embark account, you can quickly contribute using their gifting page. You don’t need to know their account number, or any special information. You just need the gifting link!

When you set up a gifting profile, it’s easy to keep track of your gift contributions, especially if you’re gifting to multiple Embark accounts. So if you send birthday gifts to all your grandkids, or graduation presents to your nieces and nephews, a gifting profile helps you track how much you’ve contributed over the years.

Send a one-time gift.
You can also use the PDF Gift Form to make offline contributions. You’ll just need the account owner's name, the name of the beneficiary, and the Embark account number. When you’ve filled out the form, mail it, along with a check, to the address listed. Your loved one will be notified when Embark receives your contribution and adds it to their account.

Gift with BottleDrop.
You can also connect your BottleDrop account to an Embark account. So as you recycle and return your cans and bottles, those deposits can directly fund the Embark account (or accounts) of your choice. Small amounts add up, and with automatic contributions, you can put your gifts on autopilot.

A few more gifting details.

  1. Is there a minimum amount for gifting?
    You can send gifts as small as $5 using a gifting page. Those small amounts can really add up over time, especially when given consistently.
  2. Can I make regular repeat gift contributions?
    Absolutely! With a gifting profile, you can set up recurring gift contributions. Just log into your profile, select the recipient you would like to send a gift to, choose the amount and frequency of your recurring gift, and then review and complete your gift.
  3. What if my loved one doesn’t have an Embark account?
    You can also open an Embark account for the kid in your life. You’ll need to provide information about the beneficiary, some info about yourself as the account holder, and some banking information.
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