Duke Women Give: Optimize your options through tax-savvy generosity

Part 3 of 3 – Duke Women Give series exploring your options to secure your future, protect your legacy and maximize your impact

In this three-part series, we’ll explore strategic gift options and introduce you to Duke alumnae who have made lasting impacts on the university through planned giving. Whether you are just starting to consider how a legacy gift can work for you, or are already working with a financial advisor or estate attorney, we are here to help.

Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds: Gifts to Duke of appreciated stocks, bonds or mutual funds held for more than one year can provide you with special tax advantages. You can often claim a charitable tax deduction for the full fair market value of the securities donated to Duke, and not pay capital gains taxes on the appreciation.

Charitable IRA Rollover: Donors age 70 ½ or older can make a direct, tax-free transfer from their IRA to Duke. Often called a “qualified charitable distribution,” this transfer can satisfy the donor’s required minimum distribution. It can also be used to satisfy most multi-year pledges to the Duke Annual Fund, create or add to an endowment, or support university endeavors you feel most passionately about.

IRA, 401(k) or Other Tax-Deferred Accounts: These vehicles can provide a way to make tax-free bequests to Duke at their full value. Unlike distributions that are subject to income tax, these options maximize the full value of your gift.

Shannon Norris

As an undergraduate and then a medical student at Duke, Shannon Norris ’93, M.D.’97 received scholarships that allowed her to graduate debt-free. Now a radiologist in Atlanta, Shannon is ensuring that other students will have that same opportunity through a planned gift. She designated a portion of her retirement account to establish scholarship endowments for students enrolled in Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Medicine.

“Duke gave me a leg up in life and now I want to do the same for those coming after me, especially for students who may not otherwise be able to afford it. These students are our future, and I want to be a part of their success.”

Shannon Norris ’93, M.D.’97

Power Boost Your Money: Matching Gifts

Some companies and foundations will match the value of charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses, board members, and retirees. Check with your company or foundation first, and then contact us to complete the process.


To learn more about the personal, charitable and tax benefits of giving to Duke, please contact:

Duke University’s Office of Gift Planning
PHONE: (919) 613-1521
EMAIL: giftplanning@duke.edu
WEB: giving.duke.edu/giftplanning

Bridget Booher ’82, A.M.’92
Director, Duke Women’s Impact Network
PHONE: (919) 613-9656
EMAIL: bridget.booher@duke.edu

This information is not intended as a comprehensive list of options and is provided with the understanding that neither Duke University nor the authors are providing legal, accounting, or other professional advice or counsel. Please consult your personal counsel about the financial, tax, and legal implications of any gift.

TAGS: Charitable Giving Strategies retirement account designations Duke Women's Impact Network gifts of securities charitable IRA rollovers matching gifts gifts of stock

About the author

Gift Planning

giftplanning@duke.edu

Duke University’s Office of Gift Planning specializes in charitable gift planning for estates, charitable trusts and annuities, and other complex current and future gift plans.

For more information, please contact the Duke University Office of Gift Planning.