Office of Gift Planning and Endowments
302 Reynolds Alumni Center
Columbia, MO 65211

Phone: (573) 882-0272
Toll-free: 1-800-970-9977
Fax: (573) 884-5144
E-mail: giftplanning@missouri.edu

Office of Gift Planning and Endowment

The University of Missouri-Columbia's Office of Gift Planning and Endowments is dedicated to helping donors, prospective donors and professional advisers learn about opportunities to support the University of Missouri-Columbia through deferred giving.

There are many opportunities for donors whose charitable objectives are combined with careful planning. Through the years we've helped hundreds of friends of the University establish a Mizzou legacy that will benefit future generations.

As an important part of the For All We Call Mizzou comprehensive campaign, the Office of Gift Planning and Endowments invites supporters to make a difference through endowments, testamentary gifts or gifts that give back.

Endowments

With gifts of at least $25,000, donors may create endowments for scholarships, technology, research, lecture series and other purposes. These gifts may be in the form of cash, securities — stocks and bonds — or property. A minimum endowment of $550,000 is required for a named professorship, and a named faculty chair endowment may be created with a gift of $1.1 million. Other requirements may apply when creating an endowment with a deferred gift.

Faculty Scholars Program

The Faculty Scholars Program is a unique naming opportunity for endowment support that recognizes exceptional faculty members. Minimum amounts range from $100,000 to $250,000.

Testamentary Gifts

Bequests are one of the easiest forms of planned giving. A bequest may be provided through a will or trust, but it must be worded correctly in order to ensure that the donor's wishes are fulfilled. The Office of Gift Planning and Endowments will provide sample language that may assist in establishing a bequest.

Donors may name the University as the beneficiary of their retirement account. This gift option may provide significant income tax and estate tax benefits.

Permanent life insurance policies may be donated to the University. Donors will obtain the greatest tax benefits by naming the University of Missouri-Columbia as both the owner and beneficiary of the gifted policy.

Gifts That Give Back

Donors and the University both receive financial rewards through the following four types of gifts:

A charitable gift annuity is a simple, contractual agreement between the University and a donor in which assets are transferred to the University in exchange for life payments. Payments can be for one or two persons. Rates are based on age. After the annuitant's lifetime, the remainder is available to be used by the University as specified by the donor.
When donors transfer cash or other assets to a charitable remainder trust, these funds are invested, and quarterly income from the trust is paid to the donor or to others chosen by the donor. When the trust is terminated, the remaining funds are transferred to the University.
The University's Pooled Income Fund is similar to a mutual fund. This fund allows gifts to be "pooled" with those from other donors, and prorated shares of the fund's earnings are distributed to all donors. After a donor's lifetime, the remainder of his or her interest in the fund is transferred to the University.
A retained life estate allows donors to contribute their home to the University while continuing to live there. The University becomes the sole owner of the property either when donors choose to move from their home or after their lifetime.

The information provided on planned gifts is presented in summary form. For an illustration of a planned gift tailored to a specific request, donors may contact the Office of Gift Planning and Endowments. Also, donors should consult with their attorneys or tax advisers for legal and tax advice.