WINTER 2000

For your Information...

As Western strives to increase its community financial support, endowments are becoming increasingly important in our long-term strategy.

How to Establish and Fund a Western Endowment

The types of endowment gifts made through the Western Foundation to support Western Washington University are as varied as the interests of donors themselves. In giving to Western, donors can help support thc college or program of their choice, or establish an unrestricted fund to address the greatest needs of the University.

Named endowments may be initiated with a gift of $20,000 or more. However, it is possible to establish an endowment with less than $20,000, with the understanding that additional gifts will bring the fund's value to $20,000 within five years. Awards are made when the endowment is fully funded.

Establishing a named endowment is a rewarding and, at times, an emotional experience. Donors are encouraged to participate in designing the specific criteria for the fund. Active participation results in criteria that reflects the donor's values and priorities, as well as the goals of the University.

Ways to Fund Endowments

There are a variety of ways to fund an endowment and a number offer tax or estate planning advantages. Some of the more popular ways are with cash, real estate, or securities. Life income trusts and annuities may also be created with proceeds forming endowments that will last long beyond the donor's lifetime.

• Gifts can be pledged and paid over a five-year period. The simplest and most frequently used method of giving is by personal check, made payable to "The Western Foundation."
• Stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, and other appreciated assets, such as personal residences, land and commercial property provide significant tax savings for the donor while meeting the needs of Western students and programs.
• Donors often name The Western Foundation as beneficiary in their wills and life insurance policies. A donor can elect to leave all or part of an estate or policy to establish an endowment.
• Life income plans, such as charitable trusts and gift annuities provide a future gift and pay an annual income to donors during their lifetime.
• Many corporations match their employees' charitable gifts. Such programs can double or even triple the impact of a gift at no additional expense to the donor.

For more information, contact The Western Foundation, 360/650-3027

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