Private support has allowed Wagner College to build upon its commitment as an educational institution, providing academic and scholarship programs to a diverse student body. The generosity of those who give to the College makes a crucial difference in Wagner College's ability to fulfill its mission.

Unrestricted or Restricted Gifts- Unrestricted gifts to the 2006-2007 Annual Fund will go directly to student scholarships. Wagner College also deeply appreciates your specific interests in the College; If you wish to give to a specific area of the College which is most meaningful to your experience, you may do so by giving a restricted gift, directed to a specific department or program.

 
Corporate Matching Gifts- Many corporations and organizations match employee contributions, doubling or even tripling the gift. The College derives significant benefits from this source of revenue, and they allow your gift to go further and affect more aspects of the College.

Endowed Gifts- A minimum contribution of $100,000 made through either a lifetime gift or by bequest may be used to establish an endowed named fund. The principal is preserved and the income supports the activities of the fund. These funds provide much-needed long-term support, benefitting the Wagner community far into the future.

Capital Donations- Capital gifts for building renovations or construction provide students and faculty with facilities to support their educational goals. First-rate facilities are essential to education in an ever-changing world, and allow the College to provide students access to the best.

Naming Opportunities- Wagner College encourages donors to consider recognition through a commemorative gift. Naming opportunities for new construction or for existing facilities are available for those wishing to give recognition or a memorial as a lasting tribute to accomplishments. For more information, please contact Clare Rich at (718) 390-3304 for more information.

Assets to Give- There are some many ways of giving -- a monetary gift is the simplest and most immediate way to give to Wagner College and immediately impact the Wagner community. Monetary gifts may be pledged over the course of one or more years. Monthly or quarterly pledge payments enable some donors to make a larger gift to Wagner College at a comfortable level for them. Giving appreciated assets such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds that you have owned longer than one year can allow you to bypass capital gains tax that would be due on a sale of the assets. This can reduce the after-tax cost of your gift by as much as one-third. Of course, your tax rate determines how much you save -- the higher your tax rate, the more you save from each dollar donated. In some cases, property can be given outright to support Wagner College and the donor receives a charitable income tax deduction for the fair market value of the property. Gifts of real estate can also be used to fund a life income gift.

Life income arrangements vary, but most options offer the following financial benefits:

• An income for life to the donor and second beneficiary

• A charitable income tax deduction

•A higher rate of return than many current investments

• A reduction or avoidance of capital gains taxes; and

• Savings on estate and gift taxes; and professional investment management.

Some life income methods of giving are: Charitable gift annuities provide the donor with a fixed, high rate of return. Rates are highest for older donors. Minimum gifts begin at $10,000. For more information please call us at (718) 390-3303 and/or see the Gift Planning website.

Charitable Remainder Trusts- Charitable Remainder Trusts are personalized management plans. Donors select a payout rate, usually 5-7%, that pays an income to them annually. The rate is based on a fixed amount of the trust’s assets (annuity trust), or is revalued annually based on the principal in the trust that year (unitrust). Trusts begin at $100,000.

Bequests- For many donors, a gift made through a will is the best way to make a substantial contribution to the College. Donors can leave specific dollar amounts or a percentage of their estate. Through a bequest, a donor can make a gift without deleting current assets, and eliminate or reduce federal estate taxes. For more information please call Clare Rich, Director of Development, at (718) 390-3304.

Update Regarding the Pension Protection Act of 2006

Wagner has benefited from generous gifts from members of the Wagner community who have taken advantage of incentives for tax-free charitable giving that the Pension Protection Act provides. Individuals have made gifts to the annual fund as well as gifts to endow funds. We are now in the second and final year of the act, in effect until December 31, 2007. If you are 70 ½ or older, you can exclude from gross income up to $100,000 of distributions from a traditional or Roth IRA, if that distribution is made to an institution like Wagner College. Remember: Funds must be transferred by your IRA plan administrator directly from your IRA to Wagner or another charity. Please call Frank Young at Wagner College, (718) 420-4494, if you have questions or before making a transfer from your IRA plan, and check with your accountant or tax advisor before making any decision.

The purpose of this information is to provide accurate information of a general character only. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained. Watch for tax revisions. State laws govern wills, trusts, and charitable gifts made in a contractual agreement. Advice from legal counsel should be sought when considering these types of gifts. All types of gifts, regardless of how you choose to give to Wagner, help sustain our goals and secure the excellence of the College today and the vision of our future.