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Charitable gift planning affords you opportunities to have an outsized impact on the causes that matter most to you with the possibility of reducing or eliminating current and future tax liabilities, creating income for you or your loved ones, and preserving wealth for future generations of your family.

Recent and pending changes to the tax code (Tax Cut and Jobs Act, CARES Act, CAA, and BBB) contain provisions incentivizing you to plan how, what, and when you give to charity. If you have recently experienced or are anticipating changes in your personal life or business, we encourage you to partner with us to ensure you're taking full advantage of these incentives.

Merrimack College's Office of Development and Alumni Relations is a ready resource for you and your advisors. We welcome you to have a confidential, no-obligation conversation to align your personal financial situation with your philanthropic goals.

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The 1947 Society

For the past 75 years, Merrimack's mission has been to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives through academic excellence, scholarship and service. The best way to ensure Merrimack is strong today is through annual giving. The best way to leave a lasting legacy that ensures Merrimack is prepared for the next 75 years through a planned gift.

The 1947 Society — so named in honor of the College's founding year — was created to recognize alumni, parents and friends who understand the critical role that the College plays in the Merrimack Valley, the state and beyond. Any donor who thoughtfully prepares for the future of their family can also give support to Merrimack College as a part of their long-term financial plans.

You can leave a lasting imprint on the future of Merrimack with a gift designated now, which will be realized in the future. For most who feel deeply about the College, a planned gift makes it easy to support that which is personally meaningful: an academic, spiritual or student life program; a scholarship; a professorship, etc. These are but a few areas that will make the power of a Merrimack education last for generations to come. You can choose what to give to, and you can change your gift plan as needed without consequence.

If you have already included Merrimack College in your long-term plans or intend to do so, please let us know so that we can welcome you to The 1947 Society. Members of The 1947 Society benefit from:

  • Personal acknowledgement and gift from President Hopey
  • Recognition in the College's donor reports and other materials
  • VIP invitations to College events on and off campus
  • Knowing that your thoughtful planning will have an impact on the future of Merrimack.

Spend some time with this information and think about the future. Then visit the link below to connect with the College, or reach out to Leila Rice (ricelc@Merrimack.edu or (978) 837-5597) with questions regarding your interest in establishing a planned gift.

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The 1947 Society  Logo

What is Planned Giving?

A planned gift allows you to create a legacy that meets your needs and wishes.

It is a way to support Merrimack's future without affecting your current finances. You can use one or multiple vehicles to benefit the College including an estate bequest or naming a beneficiary of a retirement plan or insurance policy. Any of these options can be a percentage or a specified amount. There are other ways to plan a gift, as well. In all cases, you should work with your financial advisor and the Office of Planned Giving to ensure that your plan meets your near- and long-term goals for supporting your family as well as the College. Most importantly, a planned gift gives you complete control over how you want to support Merrimack's future.

Merrimack Students in Class Photo

How to Give

Not only do you have options for how your gift will be used, you also have options on what to give and how to give. There are gifts that cost you nothing now and gifts that allow you to decide what happens when.

General Bequest

Gifts From Your Will

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. There are many types of bequests. Choose the one that best fits your needs and intentions.

Retirement Accounts

Beneficiary Gifts

Naming Merrimack College as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan asset such as a 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Keogh, profit-sharing pension plan or other donor-advised funds, will accomplish a charitable goal while realizing significant tax savings.

Appreciated Stock

Gifts of Stock

When you donate appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares instead of cash, your gift costs you less than the amount Merrimack receives. You'll get a charitable deduction for the full amount of your gift and avoid the impact of capital gains taxes.

Charitable IRA Rollover

Charitable IRA Rollover

If you're 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift directly from your IRA to Merrimack. While there is no charitable deduction for a rollover gift, you do avoid the income tax on the donated portion of your required minimum distribution.

Beneficiary Designation and Grants

Donor Advised Funds

Designate Merrimack as a beneficiary to receive all or a portion of the balance of your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) through your fund administrator. You also can make a grant to us at any time from your donor-advised fund.

Beneficiary Designation and Paid-Up Policies

Gifts of Life Insurance

Name Merrimack College as the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy; donate an existing, paid-up life insurance policy you no longer need; or purchase a new life insurance policy and name Merrimack College as the owner and beneficiary.

Real Estate and Other Valuables

Gifts of Property

Like stock, the fair market value of gifts of appreciated assets such as real estate, artwork, and other well curated collections, can be deducted from your income tax today and reduce your estate taxes in the future.

Learn More About the Generosity of Our Supporters

Meet Our Donors

Donors just like you have made a real impact just by adding a few words to their will or using one of the many giving options available.

Contact Us

We value the opportunity to answer questions and discuss your thoughts on joining The 1947 Society by supporting Merrimack through a planned gift. Please complete the form below, and I or someone from my staff will reach out to you immediately. Thank you for your dedication to Merrimack College.

Kat Bassney
bassneyk@merrimack.edu
585-387-0851

Contact a Gift Officer

Contact Us

Kat Bassney

Kat Bassney
Senior Associate Vice President

bassneyk@merrimack.edu
585-387-0851

For Professional Advisors

If you are working with a professional advisor, or advising a donor, here's a practical guide for including Merrimack College in a charitable estate plan.

Download Advisor Guide