"I really wanted to attend an institution that was somewhat of a community -- something small -- and to connect with professors and with the administration and have them know my name. And, because of MCLA's internship program, I was able to get my foot in the door at a very prominent company which jump-started my career."

Christina Barrett '03
Director of Marketing & Communications, Berkshire Chamber of Commerce

Planned Giving

Two Ways to Make a Planned Gift to the College

There are many types of giving opportunities one can choose in making a gift to MCLA. Although gifts are usually not motivated by tax savings alone, these issues can be important factors. Besides outright gifts such as appreciated securities, real estate, and life insurance policies, the following two methods also can be used to make a planned gift.

Bequests

Written by your lawyer, a will protects your family and prevents potential misunderstandings.

You may feel that you are able to make a larger gift through your will to the college than you could during your lifetime. A bequest can be unrestricted or it can be designated for a specific purpose. Bequests may be in the form of a specific amount of cash, a percentage of your estate, or specific assets of your estate to be given to MCLA in support of its various programs and endeavors. In any case, a bequest to the college is deductible for federal estate tax purposes.

Charitable Remainder Unitrusts

A charitable remainder unitrust pays a percentage of the fair market value of the trust's assets as determined annually. The fixed percentage, no less than 5 percent (as dictated by the IRS), is determined jointly by you and the college at the time the trust agreement is prepared. Income is paid on a quarterly basis. Because the unitrust requires individual financial management by the college, establishing a CRUT requires a minimum contribution of $100,000.

Unitrust income is taxable, but may be structured in such a way as to defer or avoid capital gains taxes.

This provides a brief introduction to MCLA's planned giving program. We would be pleased to provide more detailed information or to discuss these opportunities in person.

For more information without obligation, please contact the:

Planned Giving Program

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation 375 Church Street North Adams, Massachusetts 01247

Nina Garlington, Major Gifts Officer toll free at 888-677-6252 call 413-662-5224 mailto:Nina.Garlington@mcla.edu

Fill out this form.

All inquires are confidential.