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Your Legacy Deserves Planning

Good planning can mean everything, especially when it comes to your legacy. The Office of Gift Planning at WMU can help you craft the plan that best meets your financial needs and leaves the philanthropic legacy you envision. Our work focuses on leveraging a variety of assets and charitable vehicles to benefit Western Michigan University while also supporting your unique wishes and goals.

Save on taxes by giving appreciated stocks, bonds or mutual fund shares. Give life insurance you no longer need. Use a gift to reduce your estate tax exposure and eliminate capital gains. There are many powerful ways you can give—now and in the future.

What kind of Bronco legacy do you want to leave?

Explore all the options

Freewill

Ready to explore FreeWill?

The Western Michigan University Foundation has partnered with FreeWill, an online tool that guides you through the process of creating a legally valid will. It’s easy to use, free of charge, and can be completed in 20 minutes or less.

Yes, I'm ready to make my will→

 

Have you already arranged for a gift to WMU in your will or trust? Let us know 

Let us know so we can welcome you into our 1903 Society.

 

Tax-Savvy Ways to Amplify Your Impact

Here are just two ways you can amplify your impact at WMU and save on your taxes:

  1. Give from your IRA: If you’re 70½ or older, you’re eligible to direct a tax-free gift from your IRA to support WMU. When you’re 73, doing so may count toward your required minimum distribution.

  2. Donate appreciated stocks: Making a gift of appreciated securities or mutual funds to WMU offers you the chance to support our students and our work, as well as realize important benefits for yourself. You can reduce or eliminate capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the gift. Download transfer instructions here(Please be sure to call or email us if you plan to donate stock.)

 

Learn More 


Video Spotlight

How New Secure Act Provides Tax Benefits To Donors


 

We're Here for You

We share your passion for Western Michigan University and would love the opportunity to work with you to build your Bronco legacy. Please feel free to contact us with questions or for more information on planned giving.

 

Jennifer Yelovina, CFRE, CAP®

Sr. Director of Gift Planning and Principal Gifts

(269) 387-8791 

jennifer.yelovina@wmich.edu

Jennifer Yelovina Headshot

David Bernard, MBA  

Assistant Director of Gift Planning

(269) 387-8793 

david.r.bernard@wmich.edu

David Bernard Headshot

Hardy Figueroa

Alumni Relations Officer

(269) 387-8774

hardy.figueroa@wmich.edu

Hardy Figueroa Headshot

Ashley Schneider

Administrative Assistant Senior

(269) 387-8700

ashley.schneider@wmich.edu

Ashley Schneider Headshot

 


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