Ways to Give

Pledges

Westminster encourages pledge commitments to support the fundraising activities of the school.  Pledges to the Annual Fund must be paid by June 30 each year.  You can make a pledge to the Annual Fund online.  Donors supporting Teaching for Tomorrow may make a campaign pledge payable over a five year period.

Gifts of Cash

Traditionally, the majority of gifts made to Westminster come in the form of cash. A gift of cash receives the most generous federal income tax deduction available for charitable contributions.  You can deduct up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income for gifts of cash and may carry forward any unused deduction for up to five additional years.  You can make a cash gift to any of the fundraising initiatives of the school.

Gifts of Stock

A gift of appreciated securities that you have held for more than one year is frequently the most tax-wise way to give securities.  You will be eligible to make a federal income tax deduction equal to the fair market value on the date of the gift for up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income and will recognize the appreciation as capital gain.  For detailed information about transferring securities to Westminster, please click here or call 404-609-6304.

Charitable Gift Annuity

A gift annuity is a simple contract between a donor and Westminster.  In exchange for a gift, Westminster will pay a fixed and guaranteed income to the donor for his or her lifetime.  Income payments may be received immediately for life or deferred to a future date.  The capital is invested in the school’s endowment and the annuity payments are guaranteed by the school.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

A charitable remainder trust is an individually managed trust that may be tailored to the specific needs of the donor or designated beneficiaries.  These trusts can be structured to provide income for life or for a term of years.  Most importantly, the trust assets can be managed for income or growth, depending on a beneficiary’s needs. Charitable remainder trusts can accept a broad range of gift assets and are popular because of their flexibility.

Charitable Lead Trusts

Through a charitable lead trust, Westminster receives income from the asset a donor contributes to the trust for a term of years.  At the end of this period, the assets of the trust pass to those named by the donor, typically younger children or grandchildren.  By making this gift to Westminster, donors can significantly reduce their estate and gift taxes on transfers of wealth to their children and grandchildren.

Gifts of Real Estate

Appreciated marketable real estate is another asset with which you make a significant gift.  A gift of real estate will entitle you to a federal income tax deduction equal to the qualified appraisal of the value of the property.  You may take this deduction as 30 percent of your adjusted gross income and any excess over that amount may be carried over for the next five years.

A personal residence, vacation home, or farm offers another giving option.  You may give an interest to Westminster while you retain the right to remain in and maintain the property for life.  A retained life estate interest entitles you to an income tax charitable deduction equal to the present remainder interest.  Gifts of real estate must be reviewed in advance of acceptance by the Gifts Acceptance Committee.

Other Assets

Gifts to Westminster can come in other forms as well.  For example, you may wish to consider a gift of tangible personal property (if it is related to Westminster’s educational programs) or irrevocable insurance policies.  A gift of any of these assets will entitle you to an income tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the asset on the date of the gift.  You may take this deduction for up to 30 percent of your annual income with a carry over of any excess for up to five additional years.  Gifts that fall into this category will be reviewed by the Gifts Acceptance Committee.

Bequests

Westminster greatly encourages and appreciates future gifts made through one’s estate.  Bequests are the most common way for donors to make their ultimate gift to the school.  The Cornerstone Society was established to honor and recognize those who had made a provision in their estate plan for Westminster.  It is our hope that you will consider informing the school of a bequest expectancy.  For those considering such a gift, the corporate name for a bequest is “The Westminster Schools.”

Matching Gifts

Many companies offer programs that match donations to The Westminster Schools made by their employees, directors, employee’s spouses, or retirees.  To find out if your employer will match your gift, click here to access the CASE Matching Gift Clearinghouse.

If making your gift online, please send the matching gift form along separately by mail.  Please include your name and address and how you would like The Westminster Schools to credit your gift.