Over the past years, a number of alumni and friends have asked what they can do for Southwestern above and beyond their annual support. While many of us might like to make substantial charitable gifts in our lifetime, we fear the uncertainties we can encounter during the remainder of our lives. "Planned Giving" accomplishes the long-term support of Southwestern while offering significant tax advantages and a financially secure future.
By including Southwestern in my estate plans, I know I will be making a difference in the lives of deserving students into the future. I benefited tremendously from my legal education for which I am very grateful, and this is a wonderful way to 'pay it forward.'
What Planned Giving Offers to Donors
- Significant tax benefits while maintaining financial security for them and their families
- The ability to make a larger gift than might otherwise be possible
- The opportunity to establish a permanent memorial to a relative, friend or in one's own name
What Planned Giving Offers to Southwestern
- A lifelong relationship with donors
- An enhanced capability to undertake large-scale projects such as scholarship and loan funds, new facilities and equipment, the Law Library, faculty chairs and support for other aspects of the academic program
- An occasion to presently recognize the generosity of our donors, through the naming of funds or projects which will live on in the donor's honor or in memory of another
Examples of Planned Gifts
Brief explanations of some of the most popular planned gifts using Southwestern as the charitable beneficiary:
- Life Insurance
- Charitable Lead Trust
- Charitable Remainder Trust
- Charitable Gift Annuity
- Charitable Bequest
- Appreciated Property
Planning Your Giving
Alumni and friends considering a planned gift are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors on how the tax benefits of contributing to Southwestern may apply to their particular situation, especially in light of the Taxpayers Relief Act of 1997.
Those interested in arranging a preliminary discussion should contact Debra Leathers, Assistant Dean for Institutional Advancement in the Institutional Advancement Office.
