There are a number of ways giving has an impact on campus, and we want to be sure that your gift meets your intended impact. You can make a gift in the following ways:
- Cash, check, credit card, or wire transfer
- Appreciated securities including stocks, mutual funds, and bonds
- Real property including land, residences, and commercial property
- Gifts-in-kind including artwork, books, or collectibles
Gifts can be made on this website, by calling (269) 387-8700, or mailing a check to the Western Michigan University Foundation at 1903 W Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5403.
All gifts to the Western Michigan University Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. You should consult your tax advisor or applicable federal and state income tax instructions.
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Matching Gifts
Many employers support their employee’s philanthropic interests, which can double or triple the impact of your gift. Please check with your employer’s human resources office.
For more information, please contact University Advancement at (269) 387-8700.
Pledges
Pledges enable a donor to make a gift and pay it over time. Pledges may be:
- Made in the form of cash, securities, credit card charges or other types of assets
- Paid over a period of up to five years in annual, semiannual or quarterly installments
Planned Gifts
Planned Gifts are arrangements that have specific tax advantages to the donor.
- Bequests: name Western Michigan University as a beneficiary in your will or living trust
- Beneficiary Designations: name Western Michigan University as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance or insurance annuity asset
Life-income Gifts
Life-income gifts make it possible to support Western Michigan University and also provide income to you or others at the same time. To establish a life-income gift a donor irrevocably transfers an asset to the University. Periodic payments are made to the donor for life or for a period of years. The assets are ultimately distributed to the campus to be used for the donor’s stated purpose.
- Charitable Gift Annuities: provide fixed, partially tax-free payments to the donor
- Charitable Remainder Trusts: provide income to the beneficiaries for life or for a set number of years
Endowments
Endowments are funds invested and maintained in perpetuity by the Western Michigan University Foundation.
- The fund’s annual investment income is used to support the purpose the donor specifies
- Invested to generate growth of principal and a growing payout stream to ensure that future funding for endowment-supported activities can be maintained
- Provide a lasting tribute to a named individual, family or group
- Create a highly visible link between the honoree and Western Michigan University
- Enable donors to build strong ties with the beneficiaries of their endowment and share in the achievements made possible by their gift
Special tax rules on gifts to athletics
For federal income tax purposes, a charitable contribution is generally allowed for amounts contributed in excess of the fair market value of any benefits received. However, certain limitations apply and special rules are applicable to contributions that entitle the contributor to purchase tickets to athletic events. All contributions to the Make Gary Athletic Fund and/or to the WMU Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (for any purpose) are subject to these special rules. Please consult your tax advisor as to the proper treatment of your contributions.