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Blueprints Blog

Gift planning insights to build a plan for your future

The Gift Planning Blueprints blog offers planning insights, charitable giving news and stories of inspiration to help you plan for your future.

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Naming a charity as a beneficiary of your retirement account can be an effective way to make a future gift with a lasting impact. But be sure to take the step of notifying those beneficiaries of the plans you have made. Understandably, you may have reasons to keep this information private from some beneficiaries, but […]

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A charitable IRA rollover–often called a “qualified charitable distribution” or “QCD”–may be an easy and effective way to make an immediate impact at Duke. It allows those who are 70 ½ or older to support Duke people, places and programs with a tax-free transfer of up to $100,000 a year from an individual retirement account. […]

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Major life events mark our most important milestones. As we all continue to adjust in these uncertain times, flexibility is key. We reconsider what is most important to us, re-examine our plans, and try our best to prepare for what’s to come. If you are looking for a way to have an impact at Duke […]

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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 […]

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Major life events mark our most important milestones, and, let’s face it, we’re in the midst of a major life event that none of us ever expected. In times like these, flexibility can be key. We can reconsider what is most important to us, re-examine our plans, and try our best to prepare for what’s […]

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Naming a public charity as the beneficiary of your retirement account can be a wonderful and tax-efficient way to make a legacy gift to the organizations that are important to you. It is relatively simple to make a gift using the beneficiary designation form provided by the financial institution that serves as the retirement plan […]

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Here’s a scenario: You’re enjoying retirement, and life is good. You’re taking your annual required minimum distribution (RMD) from your individual retirement account (IRA), but that money isn’t critical to your lifestyle. It would be great to have another option instead of paying taxes on that withdrawal. That’s where Duke comes in. A charitable IRA […]

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Naming Duke as a beneficiary of my will or retirement account is a complicated process. Gifts made through a will or retirement account are among the simplest, most straightforward ways to leave a lasting legacy at Duke. With only a couple of sentences in your will, you can designate a percentage of your estate (or […]

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It’s a common misconception that planned giving is only for the extremely wealthy or older population.  That’s simply not true.  In fact, you’re never too young to begin planning for your charitable future.  If you are in your 20s or 30s, it is likely that you are beginning your career.  You may have just been […]

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Women are shaping the future of philanthropy.  Yet, many do not realize the financial and economic power they hold. Anne Sherman, associate director of gift planning at Duke University, explains why gift planning can be a powerful way to provide for yourself and make a real difference at an organization, like Duke. Watch Anne’s video […]

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