Leaving A Legacy

If you’re interested in creating additional income for yourself or for your loved ones, while also leaving a future gift for the University of Wyoming, you might consider a charitable gift annuity. In exchange for a gift of cash, securities, or real estate, a donor receives a fixed amount annually for life. The payment is based on the person’s age and the value of the assets gifted. At the time the annuity is established, the donor is entitled to an income tax deduction, and only a portion of the payments are taxed as income. Donors may also receive estate and capital gains tax benefits. Upon the donor’s passing, the annuity balance is allocated to benefit a specific program or area of UW that the donor chooses.

Another way to create income while supporting the University of Wyoming is a charitable remainder trust. In a charitable remainder trust, a donor transfers cash, securities, or real estate to a trust. The trust assets are invested and the trust pays the donor (or other beneficiaries) annual payments for life or a term of years. The annual payments can either be a fixed amount or fluctuate based on a fixed percentage of the trust’s annual value. At the time the trust is established, the donor is entitled to an income tax deduction, pays no immediate capital gains tax, and may receive estate tax benefits. Low-yielding, highly appreciated assets are best to use to establish the trust. This includes investments earning low interest rates, appreciated securities, real estate including vacation homes and investment properties, or even a home if the donor plans to sell it. After the donor’s lifetime or a term of up to 20 years, the remaining trust assets go to the University of Wyoming or other charities. The UW Foundation serves as trustee for many charitable remainder trusts.

Both a charitable gift annuity and a charitable remainder trust can provide you with income, tax benefits, and a legacy at the University of Wyoming.

Want to learn more about gifts that pay you life income? Please start a discussion with an expert at the University of Wyoming Foundation by calling (307) 766-4259, emailing Brett Befus (Associate VP for Development) at bbefus@uwyo.edu, or clicking here to receive your personalized charitable gift projection.

What is your Wyoming legacy?