Create a Lasting Legacy
Many alumni and friends of St. Thomas find they can make a bigger impact on the lives of future Tommies than they ever thought possible. They do this by including a gift in their will.
You don't have to be wealthy to make a transformational gift; you can:
- Save for retirement while supporting St. Thomas
- Make a gift that costs you nothing during your lifetime
- Establish a scholarship or fund a program through your estate
Our Office of Legacy and Estate Gifts can help you find smart options that go beyond traditionally giving cash.
Why Plan Your Gift with St. Thomas
We believe that the best gifts are those that you can reflect upon years later and feel confident that you made the right decision. Many alumni and friends of St. Thomas have turned to our planned giving professionals to help them find wise and creative giving options that both meet their financial goals and maximize the impact they wish to have at the university.
St. Thomas and its staff cannot provide you legal or tax advice, but we can recommend options to explore with your trusted advisors. We invite you to contact us at any time – we are here to help.
Planned Giving Options
Making a planned gift does not have to be complicated. In fact, many people find it to be a very simple process, often taking just a few minutes. Find the most common ways to give here.
Beneficiary Designation
A beneficiary designation gift is a simple and affordable way to make a gift to support St. Thomas. You can designate St. Thomas as a beneficiary of a retirement, investment or bank account, or your life-insurance policy.
Bequests
A charitable bequest (leaving a gift in your will) is one of the easiest and most flexible gifts to make. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift to be made to St. Thomas.
Charitable Gift Annuities
Support St. Thomas and secure steady income for life. A charitable gift annuity offers fixed annual payments based on your gift amount, while advancing the university's mission and creating a lasting impact.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
Turn your assets into lifelong income while investing in St. Thomas. A charitable remainder unitrust provides annual payments to you or loved ones and supports the university's mission after the trust term ends.
IRA Charitable Distribution
If you are 70½ or older, an IRA qualified charitable distribution lets you give directly from your IRA and avoid taxes on the transfer. It's a simple way to give and counts toward your required minimum distribution.
Personal Property or Real Estate
Support St. Thomas with a gift of appreciated real estate, such as a home, land or commercial property. Avoid capital gains tax, receive a charitable tax deduction and create a legacy for future generations.
Explore More Planned Giving Options
We've listed some of the most common types of gift options. However, there may be other ways to give that better meet your needs.
Depending on your situation, some assets are better than others for making a planned gift.
The Office of Legacy and Estate Gifts can help you explore the best options to meet your goals. Please contact Jenny O'Brien to discuss other possible solutions or a particular scenario.
Finn Legacy Society
Everyone who provides for the future of St. Thomas through their will, beneficiary designation or other planned gift is welcomed into the Finn Legacy Society. In addition to the satisfaction of making a difference for future Tommies, members enjoy access to special events throughout the year and have the opportunity to be listed on the Finn Legacy Society honor roll.
Ed LeClair ’65My father showed me by example that one’s life has more meaning when you join with others to support important institutions that make a difference in our community and the world. St. Thomas fits that conviction perfectly by showing its students ways to make the world a better place.
Free Planning Guide
If you've been putting off writing or reviewing your will, you're not alone. Approximately 55% of American adults do not have a will or other estate plan in place. Our free Planning Your Legacy guide makes it easy to get started.
Contact Our Legacy Giving Team
Have questions about how you can maximize your impact at St. Thomas? Our experienced staff is here to help you find ways to reach your goals.
Jennifer L. O’Brien ’97, MBA ’01
Director of Legacy Giving
(651) 962-6943
Explore Related Giving Resources
Information for Financial Advisors