Estate & Planned Gifts

Build a Legacy

When you leave a legacy gift to DU, you support our next generation of students and empower us to create opportunities for positive change. Planned gifts such as estate giving, income gifts, IRA rollovers, charitable lead trusts and real estate help sustain and strengthen the University for years to come. Planned giving allows you to connect your legacy with ours and use your success to improve the lives of others.  

 

Start Planning Your Estate

This comprehensive estate planning kit includes a helpful lesson book and an electronic record book. 

  1. Download the lesson book (PDF), which will walk you through essential lessons on creating an effective estate plan. After completing the lesson book, you'll be ready to take inventory of your assets.
  2. Download the record book (PDF) to receive simple information to guide you in collecting paperwork, taking inventory and making decisions before you go to the professionals.

Download the Estate Planning Kit

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Invest in Our Future

We offer a variety of giving options that can benefit donors and their families along with the University.

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Students and Programs Supported by Planned Giving

Engineering & Music
Engineering & Music

Steve Johnson chose DU for its excellent mechanical engineering program and financial support. His estate gift helps students with eclectic interests in mathematics and the arts build a successful future.

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Graduate Students
Graduate Students

Ruth Klein (MA '55) and her late husband Roy (BFA '52; MA '55), never had children. Instead, they chose to put their love and support into our education, arts and library science programs. Decades of graduate students have benefited from their support. 

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Charitable Bequest

Will & Living Trust Arrangements

Make a bequest by including language in your will or living trust to leave a portion of your estate to the University. 

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Beneficiary Designation

Offer a charitable bequest by designating DU as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy.

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Estate Planning FAQ

  • Do I need an estate plan?

    Anyone who has possessions — property of any kind — needs a carefully organized estate plan. While you are planning for the financial needs of others, your first concern should be your own security and standard of living.

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Support the Future of DU

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Other Ways to Give

  • IRA Charitable Rollover

    Are you 70½ years of age or more? You can benefit the University of Denver and receive tax benefits in return. You can give up to $100,000 from your IRA without having to pay income taxes. 

    Why IRA Charitable Rollovers Are So Popular

    • Your gift will be put to use today 
    • You pay no income taxes on the gift
    • If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution for the year, your IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement

     

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  • Charitable Lead Trusts

    To benefit from the tax savings that come with supporting the University and save assets for your loved ones, use a charitable lead trust.

    There are two types of charitable lead trusts:

    charitable lead annuity trust pays a fixed amount each year to the University and is more attractive when interest rates are low.

    charitable lead unitrust pays a variable amount each year based on the value of the assets in the trust. With a unitrust, if the trust's assets go up in value, for example, the payments to the University go up as well.

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  • Real Estate

    Make a significant gift to DU without touching your bank account. Real estate gifts support our students for years to come, and they help you too.

    When you give appreciated property you've held longer than one year: 

    • You qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction.
    • You avoid paying capital gains tax. 
    • You no longer have to deal with that property's maintenance costs, property taxes or insurance.
    • You don't have to hassle with selling the property. You can deed the property directly to the University, or ask your attorney to add a few sentences in your will or trust agreement.

     

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  • Memorial & Tribute Gifts

    If you have a loved one who has been touched by DU, establishing a memorial or tribute gift is a meaningful way to honor them.

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  • Endowed Funds

    Help strengthen the future of the University of Denver by making an endowed gift. Your gift is an investment in our future, helping us grow and thrive for years to come.

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Contact

Jon Kraus

Executive Director of Gift Planning