Why do people like making planned gifts?
Planned gifts are most commonly gifts made in your will or trust, allowing you to support the causes you care about while creating a lasting legacy. Planned giving is a meaningful way to help ensure Sacred Heart University’s mission continues for future generations while potentially offering financial or tax benefits.
Below are some other exciting but less common gifts.
Popular gifts for the future
See the meaningful ways others choose to give. Many choose these gifts to honor a loved one or support what means the most to them.
Gifts in a will or trust
Gifts in your will or trust are by far the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more or get help starting your will or trust for free!
Beneficiary designations
Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.
Popular gifts for today
Many people prefer these options because they fit with their personal circumstances and financial goals.
Gifts that pay you back
Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.
Stocks and securities
Many people gift stock or mutual funds because it may help them avoid paying capital gains taxes.
Donor Advised Funds
Easily recommend grants to Sacred Heart University for tax-efficient giving.
Qualified Charitable Distributions
Use your IRA to make tax-free gifts that benefit you and our mission.
Please let us know if you’ve already included us in your estate plans!
Letting us know is incredibly helpful to our team and helps to make sure your gift is used the way you want it to be.
Planned giving helps fuel Sacred Heart University‘s mission
A gift in your will creates a foundation for the future. The work we do today is important, but ensuring that Sacred Heart University thrives for generations to come is even more important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.
Yes! Knowing in advance about your intentions is quite helpful to our staff, but you are always welcome to not share your gift.
We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).
Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.
Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
Our team is happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.
Name: Paul J. Sutera, CFRE
Title :Senior Vice President of University Advancement
Phone: 203-396-8086
Email: suterap@sacredheart.edu
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know