Gave grandson $5000 for his tuition at Harding University. He is not my dependent. May I add that to my "Donations" for deduction?

[Hal_Al]

No. But the parents (or the student himself, if he is not a dependent) may count that money when they calculate the tuition credit on their return. 

Although the general rule, in taxes, is that you must be the one making the payment, to get the deduction or credit, there is an exception for education

[AmyC]

No, that is a gift. In fact, the gift rules and gift tax kick in if the amount surpasses $19k for 2026.

[Hal_Al]

If a grandparent gives his grandchild money for college, it's a gift, and subject to gift tax return filing rules.  But, if you pay his tuition, directly to the school, it is not subject to gift rules. 

Reference:

 https://www.thebalance.com/what-gifts-are-not-subject-to-the-gift-tax-3505684