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Charitable gift planning affords you opportunities to have an outsized impact on the causes that matter most to you with the possibility of reducing or eliminating current and future tax liabilities, creating income for you or your loved ones, and preserving wealth for future generations of your family.
Recent and pending changes to the tax code (Tax Cut and Jobs Act, CARES Act, CAA, and BBB) contain provisions incentivizing you to plan how, what, and when you give to charity. If you have recently experienced or are anticipating changes in your personal life or business, we encourage you to partner with us to ensure you're taking full advantage of these incentives.
Wesleyan University's Office of Gift Planning is a ready resource for you and your advisors. We welcome you to have a confidential, no-obligation conversation to align your personal financial situation with your philanthropic goals.
Plan for your loved ones and make a difference for future generations of Wesleyan students.
With a planned gift, you can take care of the people you love, while continuing to meet your income needs and benefit from current tax incentives. And, you can support future the University students and help to ensure the transformative educational experience lives on for generations to come.
If you’re considering planning a gift, this site includes helpful information for you, your financial advisor, and estate planner. And when you’re ready, we’re here to help—reach out to us via the form below or contact one of our team members directly to start a confidential, no obligation conversation to discuss options tailored to you.
Get in touch with usJoin the Olin Society
Honoring the lasting legacies which sustain Wesleyan’s mission
When you name the University as a beneficiary in your plans, you will be welcomed into the Olin Society. Any planned gift grants you membership, joining a community committed to sustaining the future of Wesleyan by supporting scholarships, faculty development, campus improvements, academic opportunities, and more.
If you've included Wesleyan in your philanthropic plans or intend to do so, please let us know. Sharing your intentions allows us to understand your wishes and thank you in your lifetime.
A Tradition of Giving
the Olin Society owes its name to one of the University's most honored trustees, Stephen H. Olin, who with his wife, Emeline H. Olin, nurtured the growth of the University into a leading institution. Olin Library, an architectural gem and wellspring of the University's intellectual life, was constructed largely with funds derived from an annuity agreement the Olins made with the institution in 1924.
Stephen Olin's bequest provisions for the University stemmed from a lifetime association with Wesleyan. Born on the campus in 1847 during his father's the University presidency, he graduated in the Class of 1866 and became a successful copyright law attorney in New York City. During his lifetime, Olin dedicated 45 years of service as a trustee to the University, assuming the post of acting president for the 1922-23 academic year.
Following her husband's death in 1925, Emeline Olin demonstrated her lively ongoing concern for the University. Residing in the brick house next to Eclectic, she took a deep interest in the construction of the new library, later endowing maintenance of the building with a major gift. Wesleyan awarded her an honorary degree in 1931.
the Olin Society Membership
the Olin Society members play an important role in the future growth and success of the University. We honor our members with:
- Membership pin bearing the insignia of the the Olin Society
- Invitations to special on-campus events at Homecoming and Reunion
- Periodic opportunities to hear from key faculty and administrators
- Latest information available on financial and estate planning
- Personal contacts with planned giving team members
In addition, we hope you will allow us to further express our gratitude in select publications. the Olin Society members often inspire fellow alumni and friends to create their own legacies.
To receive an official welcome into the the Olin Society, please provide one of our team members with documentation of your commitment, including purpose and amount, if possible. This will also allow the University to properly recognize and credit you for your generosity.
Ways to Give
What gift plan works best for you? Depending on your planning objectives, there is a wide array of gift options for you to choose from.
Gifts from your Will or Living Trust
Through a provision in your written and executed will or living trust you can make a gift to Wesleyan in the form of cash, securities, real estate or personal property. There are many types of bequests. Consult with your attorney to choose the one that best fits your needs and intentions.
More on gifts from your will regarding BequestsBeneficiary Designation/Retirement Assets
Naming the University as the beneficiary of a retirement plan asset such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) will accomplish a charitable goal while realizing a significant tax savings.
More on beneficiary designations regarding Retirement Assets and other FundsGifts that Pay You Back
Create a lasting gift for Wesleyan and unlock payments from assets such as appreciated stock, cash, or real estate. Explore life income gift options tailored to your goals, from the simplicity of a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) to the flexibility of a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT).
More on life income gifts regarding Charitable Gift AnnuitiesGifts of Appreciated Assets
When you donate appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares instead of cash, your gift costs you less than the amount the University receives. You'll get a charitable deduction and avoid the impact of capital gains taxes.
Securities Transfer Instructions (opens in a new windoe)Tax-Free Gifts From Your IRA/Qualified Charitable Distribution
Make a tax free gift from your IRA. If you are 70 ½ or older you may make a direct transfer (Qualified Charitable Distribution/QCD rollover) from your IRA to Wesleyan. Starting at age 73, a QCD rollover to the University can count toward your mandatory Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) without being subject to income tax.
More on IRA gifts regarding Tax-Free Gifts From Your IRAsDonor Advised Funds
Name Wesleyan as a beneficiary of your donor advised fund. Designate the University to receive all or a portion of the balance of your fund through your fund administrator. The balance in your fund passes to Wesleyan when the fund terminates.
More on donor advised funds regarding Donor Advised FundsGifts of Real Property
Like stock, the fair market value of appreciated assets such as real estate and artwork can be deducted from your income tax today, avoid capital gains, and reduce estate taxes. There are even ways to donate your home and live there as long as you'd like.
More on real estate gifts regarding Gifts of Real PropertyUsing Charitable Trusts
For the savvy donor, charitable trusts can provide tax advantaged income, eliminate capital gains, or preserve assets for your heirs. Under certain conditions the University will serve as Trustee for charitable trusts. Please contact us to learn more.
More on gifts through trusts regarding Gifts Through TrustsGifts of Life Insurance
Name Wesleyan as the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy, or donate an existing paid-up life insurance policy you no longer need.
More on life insurance gifts regarding Gifts of Life InsuranceMeet Our Donors
Donors just like you have made a real impact just by adding a few words to their will or using one of the many giving options available.
June Jeffries ’75
June created a legacy that costs her nothing now by adding Wesleyan as a surviving beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
John H. Pallein ’50 (1928-2008)
John’s legacy lives on through the John H. Pallein Endowed Scholarship Fund, established through a provision in his estate.
John Hall ’65
John is endowing a scholarship by including a charitable bequest to Wesleyan in his estate plans to support talented young people.
Hirut M’cleod ’00
Hirut is making a future contribution to Wesleyan by leveraging her retirement plan and naming the University as a beneficiary of her IRA.
Robert Millner ’71
Robert chose a Charitable Gift Annuity to create a legacy while receiving a great rate of return and income for life.
Jeanne Li ’18
Jeanne made a planned gift by naming Wesleyan as a beneficiary in her will to ensure future students receive the same care and help she did.