Skip to main content
Text Resize

You are at: Planned Giving > Gift Options > How to Give

How to Give

How to Give

When it comes to giving, the "how" can be just as important as the "what." Fortunately, there are many different ways to not only protect the ones you love, but also leave a lasting impact at WMU. What's more, you can receive tax benefits and even income by taking advantage of certain giving strategies.

How do you want to give? Find the answer that best meets your financial goals and personal wishes by clicking on the gift models below.

  • Bequest
    One of the most popular and flexible ways to ensure peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones, as well as support current and future Broncos. You designate Western Michigan University Foundation as the beneficiary of your asset by will, trust or beneficiary designation form.
    More
  • Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
    Congress has enacted a permanent QCD charitable rollover. That means if you?re 70½ or older, making a QCD is a win-win for you and for WMU.
    More
  • Donor Advised Funds (DAF)
    Like a charitable savings account, a donor advised fund (DAF) gives you the flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted to WMU during your lifetime. You can also name a loved one as your successor to carry on your legacy of giving.
    More
  • IRA to Gift Annuity Rollover
    Looking for a way to further the mission of WMU and enhance your income? If you?re 70½ or older, you can make a one-time IRA rollover to fund a charitable gift annuity and receive fixed payments for life.
    More
  • Beneficiary Designation Gifts
    By naming Western Michigan University Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement, investment or bank account, or your life insurance policy, you can create a legacy without changing your will or parting with any of your assets during your lifetime.
    More
  • Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA)
    A charitable gift annuity can provide you with stable, regular income (regardless of the economy) and help WMU continue to thrive. With a CGA, you transfer cash or appreciated property to Western Michigan University Foundation, and we pay you a fixed amount for the rest of your life.
    More
  • Charitable Remainder Unitrust
    You transfer your cash or appreciated property to fund a charitable remainder unitrust. The trust sells your property tax free and provides you with income for life or a term of years.
    More
  • Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust
    You transfer your cash or appreciated property to fund a charitable remainder annuity trust. The trust sells your property tax free and provides you with fixed income for life or a term of years.
    More
  • Charitable Lead Trust
    You fund a trust that makes gifts to Western Michigan University Foundation for a certain number of years. Your family then receives the trust remainder at substantial tax savings.
    More
  • Sale and Unitrust
    You give a portion of your property to Western Michigan University Foundation to fund a charitable remainder trust. When the property sells, you receive cash and income for life.
    More
  • Bargain Sale
    Western Michigan University Foundation purchases your property for less than fair market value. You receive cash and a charitable deduction for the difference between the market value and purchase price.
    More
  • Give It Twice Trust
    You provide your children with a stream of income while making a gift to Western Michigan University Foundation.
    More
  • Life Estate Reserved
    You give your property to Western Michigan University Foundation, but still retain the right to use the property during your lifetime.
    More
scriptsknown