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Memorials and Tribute Gifts

Honor Someone Special With a Future Gift in Their Name

If you have a loved one who has been impacted by West Virginia University, establishing a memorial or tribute gift is a meaningful way to honor your loved one or to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday while supporting the work of our mission. Your memorial or tribute gift will be a lasting tribute to your loved one and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

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Gifts That Pay

Your payments depend on your age at the time of the donation. If you are younger than 50, we recommend that you learn more about your options with this FREE guide Deferred Gift Annuities: Plan Now, Benefit Later.

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An Example of How It Works

See How It Works

Father and daughter smiling When Sarah's father passed away, she knew she wanted to do something that would establish a lasting legacy for him. She remembered that during his lifetime he was always praising WVU for its dedication to students and providing a quality education.

Sarah decided to make a gift to the WVU Foundation in her father's name using appreciated securities. Not only will her father's legacy live on at the WVU Foundation thanks to the gift and a commemorative plaque, but Sarah also received a federal income tax charitable deduction (because she itemizes her taxes) and eliminated capital gains tax on the securities.

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Next Steps

  1. Contact Matthew Clark at 304-284-4033 or plannedgiving@wvuf.org for additional information on creating a memorial gift at the WVU Foundation.
  2. Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
  3. Make a memorial gift to the WVU Foundation through your estate, please use our legal name and federal tax ID.

Legal Name: West Virginia University Foundation, Inc.
Address: One Waterfront Place 7th Floor, PO Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650
Federal Tax ID Number: 55-6017181

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to the WVU Foundation a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to the WVU Foundation, a nonprofit corporation currently located at One Waterfront Place 7th Floor, PO Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to the WVU Foundation or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate, or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to the WVU Foundation as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to the WVU Foundation as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and the WVU Foundation where you agree to make a gift to the WVU Foundation and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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