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The scholarships really changed my life and gave me the opportunity to come to Doane. -Dustin Axline '19, Exeter, Nebraska

  1. Planned Giving
  2. Why I Give
  3. A Gift That Pays You

A Gift That Pays You

I recently had the pleasure of visiting with a retired Doane alumnus—let’s call him Tom. Tom told me he that he had been very lucky in the stock market lately and that some of this financial gain might be passed on to Doane through his estate. I asked if he could make the gift now, as there were several projects occurring that I thought he would be interested in supporting.

Tom politely declined my request and stated he still had a number of good years ahead and would like to enjoy the income from his new fortune. We continued to visit about the projects I had mentioned and the effect they would have on Doane students and the future of the University. Tom agreed that indeed the endeavors were worthy of his support.

As I contemplated Tom’s enthusiasm for supporting these programs and his wish to continue benefiting from his good fortune, I realized there is a way to achieve both goals. Tom could gift the money to Doane now in the form of a charitable gift annuity. The charitable gift annuity would provide Tom with a fixed, quarterly income for the balance of his life. A portion of these payments would be exempt from income taxes, and he could potentially benefit from a charitable gift tax deduction today. In addition, Tom would be able to designate that his gift supports the programs of his choosing, and Doane could count on the gift in the future. Tom was excited about the idea of a charitable gift annuity and thought it was a perfect fit for his situation.

Throughout my years at Doane, we have always worked to coordinate the needs of the University with the goals and wishes of the donor. Sometimes a solution appears that matches perfectly. The donor is pleased, the University benefits, and we get the personal satisfaction knowing that everyone has won.

Like Tom, perhaps you have a desire to assist in the realization of the mission and vision of Doane University. Please contact Thom Reeves at 402.826.8284 or thomas.reeves@doane.edu and allow us to assist you in planning your charitable contributions.

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Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Doane University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

I give _____ percent (%) of the residue of my estate [or ____________ and no/100 Dollars ($ _____)] to Doane College, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation for its unrestricted use and purpose (or choose from one of the following). Choose from the following: 1. This gift shall be used for the benefit of ___________________. (e.g. a specific program area at one of Doane College's campuses.) 2. This gift shall be used for the creation of an endowed scholarship. 

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Doane University or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Doane University as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Doane University as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Doane University where you agree to make a gift to Doane University and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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