Selecting the best gift plan depends on one’s personal financial situation and goals. As tax laws are always changing and each individual’s situation is unique, donors are encouraged to consult with financial advisors to determine which method of contributing is most beneficial.
 

There are many ways of giving so that you are able to meet your needs and have the opportunity to support Western in a meaningful way. Pledges are commitments made in good faith, but are not legally binding. Constituents may want to consider stretching pledges over a five-year period to maximize the total amount of your support. This commitment can be fulfilled through monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual installments.

We encourage all donors to consider a 10-20 percent initial payment to begin your commitment.

Gifts made by cash or check are the most common and will allow Western to address its immediate needs. Checks should be made payable to Missouri Western State University Foundation. However, while the needs of the Achieving Greatness capital campaign are urgent, we will gratefully accept gifts in various forms, including those described below:

Gifts of Securities – Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds
Charitable gifts of stocks, bonds or mutual funds that have been held for at least one year and have appreciated offer special tax advantages. You will receive a tax deduction for the full market value of the gift but you will not have to pay capital gains tax on the appreciated amount. If you sell depreciated stock and contribute the proceeds, you will receive both a tax deduction for the charitable gift and a deduction for the capital loss.

Gifts of Real Estate
Donations of appreciated homes, and other real property, are entitled to an income tax deduction equal to the full value of the property and no tax on the capital gain. If debt-free property is donated, the gift is deductible at the property’s appraised value. It may even be possible to make your gift of property now, but still maintain the right to use the property. By making this gift now, rather than in your will, you can realize an immediate income tax deduction.

Gifts-in-Kind
Tangible personal property can be given to support Western. These gifts may be eligible for a deduction of the item’s fair market value, if the gift is related to the “charitable purpose” of the University. All personal property gifts must be approved by the Board of Directors of the Foundation.

Corporate Matching Gifts
A matching gift program provided through your employer or board membership may allow you to increase the value of your gift. Many companies match charitable gifts made by their employees, retirees or board members.

Deferred or Planned Gifts
Deferred gifts help insure Western’s future. A deferred gift through an estate plan or life income gift offers you the ability to support Western but retain the income from those assets during your lifetime.

Will or Revocable “Living” Trust
A bequest contained in a person’s will or revocable “living” trust is the most common form of planned gift.

Charitable Remainder Trust
This gift allows you to irrevocably place cash, securities or other property, but keep a specified income for life. This can be done by an annuity trust or unitrust.

Gifts of Life Insurance
Western can be named as primary or contingent beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Life insurance gifts are simple; just ask the insurance company for the appropriate forms to make the Foundation the owner or beneficiary of a policy. Gifts of a policy are tax deductible, as are future premium payments.

Gifts of Retirement Plans
Naming Western as a primary or contingent beneficiary of a retirement plan (i.e. IRA, 401(k)) can benefit both Western and your estate. Your retirement account’s plan administrator can help you designate Western as a beneficiary.

This information is not intended as legal advice. You are advised to consult your own qualified professional advisor for specific recommendations.