
Cash
One of the easiest and most common ways for you to support Northwestern is with a gift of cash. Cash can be used to support the University in the form of:
An outright gift. By making a cash gift by check, credit card, or money order today, you enable Northwestern to meet the University’s most urgent needs on a daily basis. You will have the opportunity to see your generosity in action and will also receive a federal income tax charitable deduction, when you itemize.
A payable on death (POD) account. A POD bank account or certificate of deposit names one or more persons or charities as the beneficiary of all funds once you, the account owner, pass away. The beneficiary you name has no rights to the funds until after your lifetime. Until that time, you remain in control and are free to use the money in the bank account, change the beneficiary, or close the account.
A gift in your will or living trust. Through a gift in your will or living trust, you can support Northwestern with a specific amount of money or a percentage of your total estate. This type of gift allows you the flexibility to change your mind at any time.
A charitable gift annuity. Cash can be used to fund a charitable gift annuity. This arrangement provides you and/or a loved one with fixed payments for life. Payments may begin as early as age 60.
A charitable remainder trust. Cash is the easiest and least complicated way to fund a charitable remainder trust. It can provide the necessary liquidity to provide for payments to the income beneficiary when the trust is funded with hard to sell assets.
A charitable lead trust. You may always use cash to fund a lead trust. Lead trusts are funded with cash in addition to stock or real estate.
A donor-advised fund. A gift of cash through check or credit card is one of the easiest ways to contribute to a donor-advised fund. You receive a federal income tax charitable deduction equal to the amount of your cash contribution, when you itemize.
Memorial and tribute gifts. If you have a friend or family member whose life has been touched by Northwestern, consider making a gift to the University in his or her name.
An endowed gift. Create an endowment or contribute to one that is already established to ensure that your support of Northwestern will last forever.
Calculate Your Benefits
Submit a few details and see how an outright gift can meet some of our most pressing needs.
The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results. Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.
This is not legal advice. Any prospective donor should seek the advice of a qualified estate and/or tax professional to determine the consequences of his or her gift.
Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association.