For now & for later

Most donors start giving through one-time, or even recurring, donations from their cash flows. While these donations are greatly appreciated by their recipients and may intentionally be planned as part of a donor's annual budgeting process, they frequently have a more short-term vision than gifts offered through planned giving.

Planned giving, however, arranges donations in the present to distribute in the future. A planned gift refers to any significant gift, made in a lifetime or perpetuity, as part of a donor's overall financial or estate planning.

"Financial advisors take advantage of various tools to help donors establish a planned gift," said Senior Vice President of Development and Administration Gregory J. Malfitano '73, '75. "The donor needs only two things: a desire to make a difference and something to make a difference with. There is no minimum age or income requirement for establishing planned gifts."

Donors establish planned gifts for various reasons. For example, a planned gift costs nothing today but allows hard work to begin in the future. In some cases, it can provide income to the donor or their family or transfer wealth intestate. It additionally establishes an economically incentivized plan that leverages legal and tax strategies. Most planned gifts take the form of life insurance, real estate, personal property, equity or cash.

"Many families have two goals: reduce tax liability now and in the future and have a say in how their funds make an impact," said Malfitano. "Planned giving allows them to do both."

Planned giving provides many benefits:

• Make a contribution never thought to be possible
• Have structure and flexibility on the timing and size of a gift
• Protect a family's future and leverage assets
• Mentor others in philanthropy
• Transfer wealth to the next generation
• Support an organization dear to the heart
• Fund long-term or future projects

Donors can make extraordinary differences during and beyond their lifetime by investing in what is important—the people, the causes, the ideas that inspire. In turn, gifts may inspire others to do the same.

At Lynn University, planned gifts help secure Lynn's future, transform students' lives, and ensure educational opportunities and a standard for excellence for generations to come.

• Scholarships: Make college attainable for future generations of students
• Professorships: Add world-class instructors to Lynn's faculty
• Programs: Provide tutoring, theater or athletics
• New projects: Fund an as-yet unimagined initiative far in the future

Learn more about donors creating a legacy at Lynn.