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University of Oregon Foundation

Gift Planning

Gift planning is just that – a carefully considered strategy for giving involving a donor’s overall financial or estate plan. It is a process of charitable, legal, financial, and tax planning that enhances the mission of the University of Oregon at levels previously not thought possible while enabling a donor to address other financial and estate planning issues when making a gift. These deferred gifts are established in the present, yet cash becomes available to the university in the future, for use as specified by the donor. 

Planned gifts come in a variety of forms and can provide substantial tax benefits. By making an unrestricted gift to the President’s Fund, you can help the university in the areas that are needed most, or you can designate the gift so it helps the college or department you are most passionate about. A gift to an endowment will ensure you play a vital role in the future of the university.

A common misconception is that planned gifts are only for the very wealthy. In fact, anybody can engage in strategic planned giving that creates lasting support for the university. While estate planning can often entail difficult decisions, it does provide peace of mind in knowing what your legacy will be.

Ways to Make a Planned Gift

Include the University of Oregon in your will or trust

Gifts from a will or living trust are among the most common and most impactful planned gifts.

Make a gift and receive income 

If you’ve ever wanted to make a significant gift to the UO, but didn’t want to sacrifice potential income from the gifted assets, a “life income gift” might be right for you.

Retirement plan assets

Qualified retirement plan assets are popular planned gift vehicles due to the unique tax advantages they present and the ease with which a donor can update disbursement instructions.

Gifts that pass outside of a will

Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, bank accounts, and donor-advised funds can pass outside of a will or trust, making planned giving flexible and cost effective.

Life insurance gifts

In addition to ensuring the financial well-being of your loved ones, a life insurance policy is a powerful philanthropic tool for you; moreover, the gift arrangement can often be made with little or no additional long-term costs to you.

More Information

For more information about gift planning, please call  800.289.2354 or 541.346.1687, or visit the University Office of Gift Planning online.

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