What will your lecacy be? webheader

Planned Giving with the University of Windsor

Your Legacy Connection

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations can review your goals, discuss areas you wish to support, draft sample language for your will or trust and explore giving vehicles that provide lifetime income and tax benefits.

Your gifts can make an impact on:

Every person deserves an opportunity to learn, share their opinion and define their future. A single person can be the tipping point for the development of a life-saving medicine, the composition of an inspiring symphony, or the removal of barriers to justice.

In its classrooms, laboratories and libraries and in the technology that bring people and ideas together, a university campus impacts the learning experiences of students and the ability of researchers to make the next discovery. 

The full impact of the University’s scholarly and creative activities is felt across generations. What is difficult to quantify today might be impossible to live without tomorrow. The potential to develop life-changing insight, artwork, or technology exists in every individual.

What type of future do you envision at the University and in our communities? Choose to invest in areas such as our Lancer Athletic or Arts and Culture programs, or build on the University’s Endowment Funds to ensure the long term sustainability of a UWindsor education.


Ways to Give

Monetary Gifts

An outright gift of cash, for which the donor receives an income tax deduction as prescribed by current law. Pledging a gift over five years may allow one to make a more substantial gift.

Stocks and securities

Appreciated stock can provide tax benefits. Donors who use stock to make a gift to the campaign will receive credit for the mean value of the stock or other security on the date of the transfer and may potentially avoid capital gains taxes.

Gifts of real estate and tangible property

Property may be donated outright once approved by the campaign executive committee. An immediate tax deduction is available.

Bequest

Property, a trust, life insurance or a portion of an estate can be bequeathed to the University of Windsor.


Leaving a lasting legacy

Planned giving, integral to financial and estate planning, supports the University of Windsor's future through a variety of impactful methods:

Donors allocate specific assets or funds to the University in their will, maintaining control during their lifetime.

Naming the University as a policy beneficiary ensures it receives the policy's proceeds upon the donor's passing.

Learn more about gifts of life insurance here.

Designating UWindsor as a beneficiary for retirement plans donates the entire value, generating tax credits, reducing estate taxes and supporting the University while benefiting heirs.

Donors transfer assets to the University, retaining an income stream for themselves or a loved one for a set period or life.

Assets in trust generate income for donors, with the remaining amount going to the University later.

Conventional giving involves immediate cash, cheque or online donations,offering immediate support to the University. However, planned giving provides significant advantages for long-term impact.


The benefits of Planned Giving

Legacy and long-term impact

Planned giving allows individuals to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the University’s future initiatives, scholarships, programs, research or facilities even after their lifetime. It enables them to have a transformative influence on the institution.

Tax benefits

Planned giving methods often provide attractive tax benefits. For example, bequests may be fully deductible from an individual’s estate, reducing taxes. Charitable gift annuities and remainder trusts provide income and tax benefits, while outright donations of a RRIF/RRSP would eliminate taxes on these retirement funds.

Flexibility and customization

Planned giving allows donors to tailor their strategies to their financial and estate planning goals. With various options available, individuals can choose the method that best aligns with their circumstances and philanthropic objectives.

Donor recognition

The University of Windsor typically acknowledges and honours planned giving donors through special recognition programs. This serves as a token of appreciation and helps motivate others to consider planned giving.

Planned Giving is a strategic and thoughtful approach to philanthropy that enables individuals to make a lasting impact.

Donors can maximize tax benefits, ensure financial security and leave a meaningful legacy for future generations by incorporating various planned giving methods into their estate and financial plans.


Support current UWindsor Priorities

UWindsor has identified equity, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, advancements in health and research excellence as institutional priorities. Choose to give according to your own priorities or support an existing campaign or area of focus including:

Scholarships

When a university education is accessible to all, everyone benefits. This University is a place where students of every background and income level can come together to create their own opportunities and achieve their promise.

Take A Seat Campaign

Take A Seat offers Lancer alumni, fans and supporters the opportunity to name a seat in the Toldo Lancer Centre triple-court gymnasium. This is the perfect way to celebrate a commitment to UWindsor with a gift that will strengthen and support the ties between fans, students, alumni, community and athletes.

Transforming Windsor Law

By donating to the Transforming Windsor Law campaign, you are supporting the recent renovations to the Ron W. Ianni
Faculty of Law building. The modern updates have taken what’s good about the building and made it more warm, welcoming, accessible and
suitable for law teaching today. 

Other options

Ask about corporate and foundation giving, gifts of stock and securities, gifts from U.S. friends, planned giving and volunteer opportunities by contacting:

Krista Spagnuolo,
krista2@uwindsor.ca or
519-253-3000 ext. 3229


Top 10 reasons to have a will

A will empowers you to dictate asset distribution after your passing, ensuring alignment with your wishes instead of provincial laws.

Designating a trusted person as executor in your will ensures the proper management of your estate.

For minor children, a will allows you to appoint guardians, ensuring their care by individuals who share your values if both parents pass away.

Clear instructions in your will can minimize family conflicts, providing peace of mind for everyone involved.

Through strategic gifting and charitable donations, a will can alleviate the tax burden on your beneficiaries.

Establishing trusts in a will safeguards vulnerable beneficiaries like minors, individuals with disabilities, or those facing financial challenges.

If you own a business, a will outlines its future, ensuring a seamless transition according to your intentions.

A will can express your wish for organ donation, potentially improving or saving lives after your passing.

Having a will grants assurance that your loved ones are protected, and your assets handled per your desires.

Creating a will prevents intestate succession, ensuring your estate is distributed according to your preferences.


Disclaimer: The advice on this website is general in nature. Each person should consult qualified professionals to see what solutions might fit their circumstances.The University of Windsor encourages donors who wish to leave a Planned Gift to consult their lawyer, financial advisor and/or accountant.


Contact us to learn more about supporting University of Windsor through Planned Giving.

Charitable Registration Number: #10816 2611 RR0001
EIN: 26-1851238

For more information, please contact:

KRISTA SPAGNUOLO
Development Assistant, Advancement
519-253-3000 ext. 3229
krista2@uwindsor.ca