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?
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.
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:
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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.
- 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.)
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®
Senior Director of Gift Planning
(269) 387-8791
jennifer.yelovina@wmich.edu
David Bernard, MBA
Administrative Assistant Senior
(269) 387-8793
david.r.bernard@wmich.edu
Hardy Figueroa
Alumni Relations Officer
(269) 387-8774
hardy.figueroa@wmich.edu
Resource Library
Gifts of Stock
Beneficiary Designations
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD)
Charitable Gift Annuities
Frequently Asked Questions (CGA)
Ways to Give: Non-cash Assets
Charitable Bequest
1903 Society
