Planned Giving

Making a Difference

It all starts with relationships.

Most of us, given the chance, want to leave a lasting reminder of the gratitude we feel for the institutions we love and support. It is a privilege to make a difference – to show, in some way, that we have contributed to important work or played a part in a cause that benefits society, perhaps for generations to come. It is additionally gratifying when you or someone you love was positively impacted by the experiences and opportunities afforded by these institutions.

There are many planned gift opportunities available. As you consider ways to support our mission, let us help you find rewarding planning strategies with unique combinations of tax savings and personal satisfaction.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is personal. Putting arrangements in place; selecting property; weighing the advantages and disadvantages inherent in individual inheritances, gifts, taxation and philanthropy – all influence your estate plan. Listening is key and we promise to do just that. Sound strategies emerge when philanthropic and financial goals are shared.

Bequests

Many of our supporters choose to make gifts in their wills. The advantages are undeniable. These gifts are simple, straightforward, and familiar. They are flexible in amount, form, and type of property. In addition, with a gift through your will, you retain full use of all property throughout your life, and you have the right to revoke or modify your gift if you choose. There is no disruption of your lifestyle and there are no immediate out-of-pocket costs. Gifts of this type are among the simplest, yet most impactful ways to make a planned gift and they are legacy-builders. (Click here for sample bequest language)

Make a plan for your loved ones while giving back to our students!

To make it easier for our community to create a legacy, we’re offering a free, online resource, through FreeWill, that guides you through the process of writing a legally valid will. With FreeWill, you can complete your will online in 20 minutes, or, if you would prefer to finalize your wishes with an attorney, create a list of documented wishes first to save time and money at the lawyer’s office.

 Use our free online tool to get started on your will!

Retirement Plan Assets and Investments

You may need to plan for additional assets that are not covered in your will or trust. If you have an IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy, or any additional accounts, these are called “non-probate assets” and they need to be planned for separately.  The most straightforward way to donate retirement plan assets is to designate us as a beneficiary. Using the online tool below, you can log all of your assets, name Franklin College as beneficiary to strengthen missions and vocations, and receive printable instructions on how to set each one up with your broker.

Plan your beneficiaries today.

Income Gifts – Charitable Gift Annuities

Wherever you are on the retirement spectrum, there is one compatible gift planning idea that is worth considering. A charitable gift annuity can help you shelter and arrange savings for retirement, manage income during retirement, and provide welcomed support for our mission. This is a mutually-beneficial way to help ensure that Franklin College continues to flourish well into the future.

Income Gifts – Charitable Remainder Trusts

For decades, families have used charitable remainder trusts to:

1. Reduce income taxes
2. Convert assets like stock, real estate or other investments into a lifetime income
3. Avoid capital gains tax
4. Benefit meaningful charities
5. Make a gift now or in a will

Retirement Planning and Charitable Giving

Retirement planning is a process. Whatever your age or stage in life, it’s never too late to get started, and it’s never too early to think about the role philanthropy could play in your planning. This brochure explores some of the planning options available to everybody – from the recently retired, to executives and professionals nearing the end of their careers, to happily retired singles and couples well into their golden years.

Real Estate

Many people own long-term, highly appreciated real estate they no longer use or no longer want to manage. In many cases, owners are looking for tax-efficient ways to pass the property on or convert it into an income stream. If you are one of these fortunate property owners, you may want to consider how philanthropy can unlock earning potential, create tax savings, and make an important difference to our work.

Revocable Gifts

There are many ways to make revocable gifts, including gifts in your will, beneficiary designations of life insurance or retirements assets, and revocable living trusts.

Gifts of Stock

Appreciated stock, held for more than one year, can be the ideal choice for individuals who want their charitable gifts to make the biggest impact for the lowest possible cost. The secret ingredient: double tax benefits. Appreciated securities that have been held for more than 12 months can be deducted from your taxable income at their fair market value, without paying capital gains tax on the appreciated portion of the gift. For publicly traded securities, the fair market value is computed as the average of the high and low market prices on the date of transfer.

If your broker or banker holds your securities, ask to have them transferred via The Depository Trust Company (DTC). This is generally the fastest and most efficient form of transfer.

Send DTC to:
STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
PO Box 4492
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317.634.4400
College Tax ID #: 35-0868086
DTC Number: 0793
Account Name: Franklin College of IN INC
Account Number: 4274-9927

Legacy Giving: The Horizon Society

Your planned gift will significantly impact the mission of Franklin College and transform the lives of our students. Planned gifts may be designated to a particular project, endowed fund, scholarship, program or directed to provide unrestricted support for the greatest needs of the college. In addition to the personal satisfaction of knowing you have made a tremendous impact on the lives of present and future Franklin students and helped lay the foundation for a sustainable future for the college, properly planned charitable gifts can potentially provide you with tax and financial benefits. Furthermore, you will be recognized as a distinguished member of the Horizon Society at Franklin College.

As you think about estate planning and work with your advisor, our Statement of Support may be helpful in signaling your intent. You may download and complete the form, then submit it to our office when the time is right for you.

 

Continuing the Legacy

Deferring taxes, reducing taxes, avoiding taxes – all can play a role in your year-end strategy. Knowing your planning and giving options helps you shape a meaningful charitable legacy while providing important benefits to you and your loved ones. Please contact us for more information about personally satisfying ways to meet charitable goals that help us make a transformative difference.

Nora Lowe Brems ’87
Director of Planned Giving
nbrems@FranklinCollege.edu
317.738.8864
Nora’s bio

 

Tax information provided here is not intended as tax or legal advice and cannot be relied on to avoid statutory penalties. Always check with your tax and financial advisors before implementing any gift.