Supporting the O.A.K.S. Campaign

Operational and annual support is critical to the University, but legacy gifts, or major gifts, are contributions that are typically the most significant (and often largest) financial contributions that an individual, foundation, or corporation will choose to make. At Waynesburg, the University considers a major gift one that would be large enough to create an endowment, or $20,000, which can be pledged over a 4-year period.

Giving through one’s will, or making a bequest, is a creative way to maximize a personal contribution and one of the most significant ways donors can support Waynesburg. A bequest, though not realized during one’s lifetime, is an excellent way to leave a legacy at Waynesburg. Through a provision in your written and executed will, you can make a gift in the form of cash, securities, real estate or personal property and leave a permanent mark on the University.

Endowments are storytellers. Attaching your family name and legacy to your gift allows your Waynesburg story to be shared with future generations of students. Endowments are invested through the University and provide a student, program or fund with an annual contribution in perpetuity. Rather than needing to be replenished each year, once established, the endowment will forever benefit the University.

Non-endowed funds have no permanent principal balance and are immediately available to distribute to support students or programs at the University. They are in essence a short-term opportunity for support, and are often the best way to impact the life of a student or help the University build a program or curriculum. While these gifts are spent to zero and not invested, non-endowed gifts help drive the University’s mission at a critical time for higher education.

“Gifts That Pay You Income” help you make a substantial gift to the University while increasing your income stream. These gifts (typically charitable annuities) provide an additional source of lifetime income for you, your spouse or other significant persons; a potential increase in the income you are currently receiving from your investments; an immediate tax deduction for a portion of your gift; and no capital gains tax due at the transfer of appreciated assets to your gift plan.

Gifts in kind can be a unique way to support Waynesburg when one is unable to support the University through conventional financial giving; these types of gifts include donations of property other than cash and marketable securities such as works of art, books, equipment, furnishings, automobiles, software and licensing.