Alumni, parents and friends have responded in many ways during these challenging times:
A member of the 50th reunion class, who planned to contribute appreciated securities to a charitable gift annuity, will contribute the same amount to the Annual Fund instead.
Several alumni are establishing endowed funds.
An alumnus who has been an inconsistent donor to the Annual Fund stepped up this year and made a five-figure gift.
A unitrust donor made an additional contribution to his trust to rebuild market value for his philanthropic interests.
Five donors completed charitable gift annuities, and three gifts of real estate are under consideration, demonstrating that lifetime planned gifts remain attractive.
If you have pondered, "What can I do?" Here are several strategies to consider:
Bequests – Demonstrate your support by including Hamilton in your estate plan.
Retirement Plan Beneficiary – Make Hamilton a contingent beneficiary, which saves significant tax compared to leaving retirement plan assets to a non-spousal beneficiary.› Charitable Gift Annuities – Receive secure, fixed payments for life.
IRA Gifts – Contribute up to $100,000 directly to Hamilton from your IRA and exclude the amount contributed from your gross income in 2009 if you are 70½ or older.
Endowment Gifts – Help to rebuild the endowment with a contribution of cash that allows the trustees to purchase securities at bargain prices when the financial markets begin to recover.
Charitable Lead Trusts – Establish a charitable lead trust. The financial markets have discounted assets, and the IRS variable used in determining the gift tax deduction is at an all-time low, making this gift particularly appealing now.
Volunteering – Consider offering your time and expertise. Hamilton always needs additional volunteers for Admission, the Career Center, the Annual Fund and Alumni Programs.
Please advise the College if you have included Hamilton in your estate plan or completed a planned gift so you can be honored and recognized as a Joel Bristol Associate.
