Planning a lasting legacy gives you control over your gift. Colorado Mesa University's approach to Human-Scale giving means that everyone has the power to make a difference. With smart planning and compassion, every gift (no matter the size) changes the lives of CMU students.
Smart Giving
Making gifts in smart ways can allow you to take full advantage of tax deductions and to donate more while protecting your family’s well-being and lifestyle.
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.
Contact Rick Adleman, Associate Director of Development, at 970-248-1871 or email [email protected] to discuss smart ways to support students at Colorado Mesa University.
Planned Giving
Through strategically planned gifts, you can control how your kindness is perpetually shared. Through retirement funds, appreciated securities, wills, life insurance and more, your legacy can last for generations to come.
At CMU, we take pride in knowing how your kindness today empowers the generations of tomorrow. Through the Maverick Legacy Circle, planned giving commitments can be matched with the "Legacy Match," maximizing your impact.
Explore planned giving opportunities below, or contact Rick Adleman at 970.248.1871 or email [email protected] to get started.
Making gifts of required minimum distributions from IRAs 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.
Gifts of appreciated securities held for a certain time may provide donors with substantive tax deductions while supporting Colorado Mesa University. Donors should consult with their tax advisor to determine their best alternative.
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 and equipment, can also be contributed.
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 from 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."
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.
A charitable remainder trust is an irrevocable gift that provides a 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 the death of the last beneficiary, the principal is distributed to CMU.
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.
Introducing the Maverick Legacy Circle Members
Lee and Kathryn Ambrose, in support of the Students at Colorado Mesa University
Anonymous, in support of the Students at Colorado Mesa University
Jim and Sharen Branscome, in support of the Jim and Sharen Branscome Endowed Fund at Montrose
Karen Combs, in support of the Boelter Combs Endowment for Music
Linda Jean and Jim Franklin, in support of the Franklin Family Endowed Scholarship
Greg and Donna Halsey, in support of the Ron Halsey Memorial Scholarship for Disabled Students
Steve and Terri Hickman, in support of the Taylor Hickman Memorial Scholarship
Michael and Paula McCormick, in support of the Students at Colorado Mesa University
Juanita and Bob Moston, in support of the Juanita and Bob Moston Endowed Scholarship for Non-traditional Students
Joyce Owens, in support of the Continuing Unexpected Connections/MSI Endowment
Anne Saunders, in support of the Richard and Muriel Saunders Scholarship
Anne Saunders, in support of the Nora Reed Burleigh Endowed Scholarship
Stephen Smith, in support of the Stephen Smith Family Women in Landman/Energy Management Endowed Scholarship
Carole Ann Strobl and Donald G. Fiscus, in support of the Strobl Fiscus Scholarship Endowment
Robert McConnell and Marsha Tomassi, in support of the Robert McConnell Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Edwin McConnell