Smart Giving
Making gifts in smart ways can allow you take full advantage of tax deductions and to donate more while protecting your family’s well-being and life style. Contact Rick Adleman, Associate Director of Development, at 970-248-1871 or email at [email protected] to discuss smart ways to support students at Colorado Mesa University.
Each donor’s situation is different; a tax advisor should be consulted to determine which alternative is best for them. This information is not intended as legal, accounting, or other professional advice. For assistance in planning your legacy gift, please consult a lawyer and/or financial advisor for professional advice.
Gifts from Retirement Funds
Making gifts of required minimum distributions from IRA's can be a tax smart way of supporting students at CMU. When making gifts from your estate, it can be beneficial to review which assets are best for your heirs and which make better donations.
Corporate Matching Gifts
Employees can double or triple their gift through employer's matching gift programs.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Gifts of appreciated securities held for a certain time may provide donors substantive tax deductions while supporting Colorado Mesa University. Donors should consult with their tax advisor to determine their best alternative.
Real and Personal Property
Gifts of land or other real estate can be given to the University or used as an asset within a charitable trust. Personal property, such as artwork, rare books, equipment, can also be contributed.
Wills
A donor leaving a gift through their will may be able to make a larger gift than otherwise currently possible, and may save their heirs estate taxes. Arrangements can be made revocable, allowing changes as needed. You can add CMU by preparing a new will or revising your existing one.
Sample language you might include in your will:
"I hereby give [percentage, residuary share or specific amount or asset] to the Colorado Mesa University Foundation, Federal tax ID number 84-6037667, 1450 North 12th Street, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501."
Life Insurance
Transferring ownership of a life insurance policy or purchasing a new policy can support Colorado Mesa University. You may also name CMU as the beneficiary (not owner) of a new or existing policy. Donors should consult a tax advisor to determine their best alternative.
Charitable Remainder Trust
A charitable remainder trust is an irrevocable gift that provides specified fixed annual income for the donor, or someone the donor designates, for a specific time-period, or for life. At the conclusion of the income payments or death of the last beneficiary, the principal is distributed to CMU.
Charitable Lead Trust
A charitable lead trust is an irrevocable trust that designates Colorado Mesa University as the income beneficiary for a specified number of years or for the life of the named person. Upon completion of that period, the trust assets may revert to the donor or pass to persons designated to receive them.