Exploring the Accessibility of Planned Giving
In the world of philanthropy, there exists a profound opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through planned giving. As the director of major and planned giving at McMurry University, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of planned gifts on our institution’s ability to thrive and grow. Below is more information about what planned giving entails and how you can join us in shaping the future of a McMurry education.
Understanding Planned Giving
Planned giving is a thoughtful and strategic approach to philanthropy that involves arranging contributions to benefit charitable organizations in the future. Unlike immediate donations, planned gifts are typically arranged during one’s lifetime but realized after. They are an expression of generosity and foresight, allowing donors to make a significant impact beyond their lifetimes.
Types of Planned Gifts
Planned giving encompasses various giving methods tailored to individual preferences and financial circumstances. Here are some common types of planned gifts:
- Bequests: One of the simplest and most popular forms of planned giving, where individuals include McMurry in their will or estate plan.
- Life Insurance Policies: By naming McMurry as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, donors can make a significant gift with potentially minimal impact on their current financial situation.
- Retirement Plan Assets: Donors can designate McMurry as a beneficiary of their retirement accounts, ensuring tax-efficient use of these assets for charitable purposes.
How to Give
Making a planned gift to McMurry is a straightforward process, often involving consultation with financial advisors and estate planning professionals. Here’s how you can get started:
- Consult with Your Advisors: Discuss your philanthropic goals with your financial advisors and legal experts to determine the best planned giving strategies for your situation.
- Designate McMurry University: Clearly specify McMurry University as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or other planned giving instruments.
- Inform McMurry University: Notify us of your intention to make a planned gift so that we can express our gratitude and work with you to ensure your wishes are carried out effectively.
Impact of Planned Giving
Planned giving has a lasting impact on the success of institutions like McMurry. By including us in your legacy plans, you enable us to provide scholarships, enhance academic programs, and maintain our commitment to excellence in education.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
I invite you to explore the possibilities of planned giving at McMurry University. Your generosity today will create enduring opportunities for future students and enrich our campus community for years to come.
To learn more about planned giving and how you can leave a legacy at McMurry University, visit mcmgift.org or contact me directly at arias.frances@mcm.edu.
Together, let’s unlock the future through the power of planned giving.
Ala Cumba!
Frances Arias ’07
Director of Major & Planned Giving
McMurry University