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Why do people like making planned gifts?

Planned gifts (most commonly a donation made in your will or trust) cost nothing today and allow you to make an incredible impact, which is why so many people choose to make them.

There are some other exciting but less common gifts — scroll down to learn more!

Popular gifts for the future

See what types of gifts many people choose to make. Many people make these to honor a loved one, to show what’s important in their life.

Popular

Gifts in a will or trust

Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will or trust – for free!

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Beneficiary designations

Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.

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Popular gifts for today

Many people love these donation options because they fit with their personal circumstances and financial goals.

Gifts that pay you back

Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.

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Stocks and securities

Many people love donating stock or mutual funds because it may help them avoid paying capital gains taxes.

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Donor Advised Funds

Easily recommend grants to West Virginia State University Foundation for tax-efficient giving.

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Cryptocurrency

Donate Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more to save on taxes and make a big impact.

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Qualified Charitable Distributions

Use your IRA to make tax-free gifts that benefit you and our mission.

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Please let us know if you’ve already included us in your estate plans!

Letting us know is incredibly helpful to our team and helps to make sure your gift is used the way you want it to be.

Planned giving helps make a difference for WVSU

A gift in your will creates a foundation for the future. Our work today is important, but it is equally, if not more important, to ensure that WVSU can continue to provide exceptional education and the resources to achieve anything we set our minds to.

Fred Thomas

Fred D. Thomas Jr., ‘50

Fred D. Thomas Jr., ‘50 graduated from West Virginia State College with a bachelor’s degree in biology. After earning a graduate degree in education, he went on to serve as a middle school science teacher and curriculum coordinator for 35 years.

As a way to give back to his alma mater, Fred made a planned gift commitment to establish a learning center that bears his name. Fred’s generosity will help ensure that future generations of Yellow Jackets studying to be teachers have access to the latest high-tech tools while learning to lead the nation’s classrooms.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.

Yes! Knowing in advance about your intentions is quite helpful to our staff, but you are always welcome to not share your gift.

We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).

Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.

Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.

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We’re here to help you meet your goals!

Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.

Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know

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