Leave a lasting legacy to a well-loved place through planned giving. Planned giving offers the opportunity to make a larger gift than is possible within one's lifetime. This type of giving offers special tax savings. Click here to learn more about planned giving to the University of Michigan or contact Joan Wolf at joanwolf@umich.edu, 734-615-9475.
In her work with non-profits, Liz Elling has helped many people establish planned gifts and notes one very important advantage; charitable giving from IRAs and other retirement assets are taxed heavily if passed on to an heir, but will be transferred to a non-profit tax free! Liz “walks her talk”, she and husband Gary Elling have included the Arb & Gardens in their will. Working with University of Michigan development professionals and with their attorney they designated a percentage of their estate to help education programs at MBGNA.
Liz and Gary met while they were U-M students and after graduating stayed in Ann Arbor to raise their children. Later Liz returned to the School of Natural Resources and Environment for her masters degree and while there met and went to work for Professor Harrison Morton, then Associate Dean of the school and Director of Nichols Arboretum. In the early 90s Liz became the Arb’s first development officer and with Harry Morton, was instrumental in forming the Friends group and in bringing greater U-M student education and stewardship involvement to the Arb. By the late 90s, Liz moved on to Matthaei Botanical Gardens to serve as Director of Education. Liz hopes that the bequest she and Gary have established will be an inspiration for others to do the same. Even for the Arboretum and Gardens “money doesn’t grow on trees” she notes with a laugh.