Home - Planned Giving - Western Carolina University Foundation

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 Western Carolina 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.

You're in my plans!

Make a Gift…Leave A Legacy

Show your family how much you care by creating or updating your will or estate plan. When you make a gift to the Western Carolina University Foundation through your will, trust, or retirement plan, you’re helping support future Catamounts for years to come. Estate gifts offer creative, flexible strategies for your estate and charitable planning.

Terry and Vikki Fortner

Couple’s blended gift of $367,500 will support WCU athletics facilities improvements, student-athletes.

The Fortners’ gift for the ‘Fill the Western Sky’ campaign is an ideal one that we refer to as a blended gift consisting of a major gift, a planned gift and an annual gift,” said Jamie T. Raynor, WCU’s vice chancellor for advancement. “Terry and Vikki will be able to see the impact of their current philanthropy right away while they also are creating a legacy of support for WCU that will have a positive impact for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my estate big enough to leave a planned gift?

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.

Can my gift remain anonymous?

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

Does it cost anything to plan my estate?

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).

Can I edit my documents after I’m done?

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

Is my private information secure with FreeWill?

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

What is the Legal Name I need to list for WCU in my will or trust?

All planned gifts should be directed to the Western Carolina University Foundation.

What is the WCU Foundation Address?

Western Carolina University Foundation address is One University Drive, 201 H.F. Robinson Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723.

What is the WCU Foundation Tax ID Number?

Western Carolina University’s Tax ID number is 23-7159170.

What is some of the Sample Bequest language I need to include in my will or trust to support WCU?

SPECIFIC DOLLAR AMOUNT: I hereby give, devise, and bequeath $DOLLARS to the Western Carolina University Foundation, a nonprofit organization located at 201 H.F. Robinson, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, Federal Tax ID #23- 7159170, for the Western Carolina University Foundation’s general use and purpose.

PERCENTAGE OF ESTATE: I hereby give, devise, and bequeath PERCENTAGE OF YOUR ESTATE to the Western Carolina University Foundation, a nonprofit organization located at 201 H.F. Robinson, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, Federal Tax ID #23-7159170, for the Western Carolina University Foundation’s general use and purpose.

SPECIFIC PERSONAL PROPERTY: I hereby give, devise, and bequeath DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY to the Western Carolina University Foundation, a nonprofit organization located at 201 H.F. Robinson, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, Federal Tax ID #23- 7159170, for the Western Carolina University Foundation’s general use and purposes.

If you are considering a bequest but would like to ensure that your bequest will be used only for a specific purpose, please let us know. We would be happy to work with you and your attorney to help you identify ways to give that will ensure your charitable objectives can be met. We will also work with you and your attorney to craft language to accomplish your objectives.