Make a Gift
One of the easiest ways to support the humanities is through an outright gift to the Institute for the Humanities. The University of Michigan makes giving outright gifts very easy through a number of methods, including:
- Credit Card, Check, Cash Wire Transfer:
A secure gift either through the UM Development website or by mailing appropriate documentation with assistance from the Institute’s Development Officer (see below). - Securities: A gift of securities can help you receive a valuable tax deduction and avoid capital gains tax.
- Matching Gifts: You can leverage your gift to the Institute with a matching gift from your employer (check with the Institute’s Development Officer or ask your employer if your company offers a match).
- Gifts in Kind: You may donate items of personal property or physical assets that may be of value to the Institute, such as books, works of art, etc. Please check with the Development Officer or the Director of the Institute for what kind of items are of best value to the Institute.
- Payroll deduction for UM faculty and staff
- For further information on how to give see How to Give.
Endowments
The Institute for the Humanities seeks support for programs that foster the humanities among the University of Michigan campus community as well as for residents of Michigan and beyond. You can create a lasting fund in your name or in honor or memory of someone you love and respect by establishing an endowment at the University of Michigan, benefiting the Institute. Or you may add to an existing endowment.
Endowments may be created through outright or deferred gifts. The Institute’s Development Officer can help you structure an endowment gift that best fits your philanthropic and financial goals. All donors are recognized by the University of Michigan, the College of Literature, Arts & Sciences, and the Institute for the Humanities.
Estate and Deferred Gifts
The Institute for the Humanities continues to enrich and stimulate new generations of fellows. Through an estate or deferred gift you can embrace future generations. Planned gifts provide many unique benefits that may reduce your estate and income-taxes and help you avoid capital-gains. The Institute’s Development Officer can provide you and/or your financial advisors with the assistance necessary to explore and formulate a planned gift to the Institute.
Types of Estate or Deferred Gifts Include:
Gifts by Will
Through various types of bequests for the Institute you may lessen your estate taxes and help maximize the amount you leave your heirs. You may leave a percentage of one’s estate, a fixed dollar amount, or the remainder of your estate after your heirs and other charities have been provided for.
Gifts That Pay You Income
Do you want to support The University of Michigan, but worry about having enough income for yourself and your loved ones? Life-income gifts, such as gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and pooled income funds, can provide donors with an income stream, significant tax savings, and the satisfaction of supplying The University of Michigan with vital long-term resources. Through a Charitable Remainder Unitrust it is possible to benefit from the same return on investment the University of Michigan’s endowment receives. For more information, please read the information on the University of Michigan’s Endowment Return Strategy ( MERS).
Consult Your Advisor
In all cases, please consult an advisor on what is the best option for you as your consider an estate gift for the University of Michigan and its Institute for the Humanities. The Institute’s Development Officer and the University of Michigan’s Office of Gift Planning will be glad to assist you with any questions you may have. To access the Office of Gift Planning click on How To Give, and go to Gift Planning.
For questions about your gift to the Institute for the Humanities, please call or email the Institute’s Development Officer: David Cave, Ph.D., LSA Development, 734-615-6456 or dcave@umich.edu.
