Make a Meaningful Contribution

Charitable Gift Planning

Charitable Gift Planning is a thoughtful and strategic approach to philanthropy that allows you to support Gardner-Webb’s mission. This type of philanthropy provides an avenue to make meaningful contributions that will have a lasting effect on the lives of future generations.  

Your generosity can take many forms, including bequests in your will, trusts, life insurance policies, and more. By integrating your charitable intentions with your overall financial and estate planning, you can maximize your impact.  

At Gardner-Webb, your planned gift will:

Your planned gift enables you to create a lasting legacy that will continue to support our mission and values long into the future.

To help you get started on your plans and legacy, you can use FreeWill, an online tool that guides you through the process of creating your will or trust. It’s easy to use, accessible online, and can be completed in 20 minutes. You can use this resource on its own, or use it to document your wishes before finalizing your plans with an attorney.

You can also make a planned gift to enable you to create a lasting legacy that will continue to support our mission and values long into the future.

Your gift will directly contribute to the growth and development of our educational programs, scholarships, research initiatives, and campus facilities, positively influencing the lives of countless students and scholars.

Depending on the structure of your planned gift, you may enjoy tax benefits, increased income, and potential reductions in estate taxes.

As a planned giving donor, you become a part of an esteemed group of individuals who are dedicated to advancing education and knowledge for the betterment of society.

Contact us today to learn more about higher education planned giving and how you can leave a lasting legacy of education, innovation, and progress. Thank you for considering this meaningful way to support Gardner-Webb University.

What are Planned Gifts?

Planned gifts are charitable contributions made by individuals during their lifetime, but the benefits of these gifts are often realized by charitable organizations after the donor’s passing. These gifts often require thoughtful planning and can provide significant support to nonprofit organizations. Here are some examples of the types of planned gifts along with brief descriptions:

A bequest is one of the most common types of planned gifts. It involves leaving a specific sum of money, assets, or a percentage of one’s estate to Gardner-Webb University in their will or living trust.

A CRT is an irrevocable trust that allows donors to transfer assets to the trust while retaining an income stream for a set time or the remainder of their lifetime. Afterward, the assets are given to Gardner-Webb University for a designated purpose

In a CLT, Gardner-Webb University receives the income from the trust for a predetermined length of time. After that, the remaining assets go back to the donor or other designated beneficiaries

Donors can name Gardner-Webb University as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, either donating the entire policy or a percentage of the death benefit.

Assets like Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k)s, and life insurance policies that are not covered by your will are often subject to significant taxes when distributed after your lifetime. By designating Gardner-Webb University as a beneficiary for a portion or all of these assets, you can leave a lasting legacy in a way that benefits your estate with potential tax advantages. You can use this online tool to make your plans and easily designate us as a beneficiary of one or more of these assets.

Donors can designate Gardner-Webb as a beneficiary of their retirement account (e.g., IRA, 401(k)).

Donors can give residential or commercial property to a charitable organization, either outright or through a retained life estate, where they continue to use the property during their lifetime.

These are just some of the many types of planned gifts that donors can choose from to leave a lasting legacy with Gardner-Webb University. Each option has its own advantages and considerations, so it’s essential for potential donors to seek professional advice when planning their charitable giving.  

Contact us today to learn more about higher education planned giving opportunities.

Donor Stories

Learn more about how our donors support Gardner-Webb View All Donor Stories

Become a Member

1905 Legacy Society

The 1905 Legacy Society at Gardner-Webb University is a distinguished group of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and support of Gardner-Webb University. Named after our founding year, the 1905 Legacy Society honors alumni and friends who have chosen to support Gardner-Webb through intended bequests or other forms of charitable gift plans.

Membership in the 1905 Legacy Society is a testament to the strong connection that individuals have with Gardner-Webb and their belief in the transformative power of higher education. Our members play a vital role in advancing the university’s mission and ensure its continued growth and success for future generations. Members of the 1905 Legacy Society receive special recognition and invitations to exclusive events hosted by the university.

Through their generosity and foresight, members of the society help Gardner-Webb fulfill its mission and continue to make a positive difference in the world.

Have you already included a gift in your will or trust? Please fill out this form to let us know!

Contact us today to document your charitable intentions or learn more about how to become a member of our distinguished benefactors.