As
we approach tax season, the normal article for a development director
to write would be on the tax advantages of charitable giving. I could
also write about the new charitable gift annuities that are becoming
popular tools for giving at UGA. I thought about highlighting the
fact that we had more private dollars given to our college last fiscal
year than ever before, how younger graduates are quite philanthropic,
or how private donations benefit our alumni. But in reflecting on
the many donors with whom I work, I agree with the research on philanthropy
which states that of the top ten reasons people give, the No. 1 reason
is... “Because it makes me feel good.” This philosophy is
shared by many:
“...If I were asked what is the best thing one can
expect in life, I would say—the privilege of being useful.”—Eleanor
Roosevelt
“Don’t admire people for their wealth but for the
creative and generous ways they put it to use.”—H.
Jackson Brown Jr., Life’s Little Instruction Book
“It’s fun to give away money and figure out how best
to do it. I tell my mother all the time, and she’s so pleased
to hear it-that I see money differently now. I see it as a possibility—not
just something to collect for myself.”—Rachel Dooley,
University of Michigan freshman
“I’ve never met an unhappy philanthropist, but I have
met an unhappy rich person.”—Unknown
“I DO feel good when I make a contribution. I feel even
better when I see it used wisely.”—FACS supporter
Grace Hartley [see “In Memoriam”]
Private support for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences is
strong, but not strong enough. We have many alumni who want to give
a major gift, but are not sure they CAN make a major gift. There are
so many ways to make a major gift earlier in life, for example: Make
a pledge over five years; transfer highly appreciated stocks; work
for a matching gift company; or give land. Planned or deferred gifts
are wonderful tools in estate planning, but giving NOW allows us to
thank you rather than your heirs.
Giving a major gift ($10,000-plus) is more realistic than you
might think. Let’s talk today about your philanthropic goals—about
your legacy and your love for the University of Georgia. There are
more advantages to giving than you may even realize. Give me a call
at (706) 542-4946 so that you can explore the possibilities. Make
a difference. Feel Good!
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