Union University's growth in the past 14 years has been extraordinary. Fall enrollment is up 105% since 1996. The annual number of graduates has risen from almost 400 to 975 during that same period of time. Union's annual budget has grown from $18 million in 1996 to $70 million today. READ MORE
This growth brings both change and challenge. As enrollment and programming grows, so must the financial base that supports it. We must find new and innovative ways to meet needs that simply did not exist 14 years ago, while also preparing for future needs we do not fully understand today.
The Union University Foundation was created to help provide needed resources for the exclusive support of Union University's mission. This significant step ensures continued progress in areas such as endowment growth, planned giving, and scholarship funding.
The Foundation not only creates new financial opportunities for donors, but also assures generations of students the opportunity to take full advantage of all that a Christ-centered, academically excellent education from Union University offers.
As you consider ways to connect financially with what God is continuing to do at Union, we hope you will give us an opportunity to discuss how the Union University Foundation can serve you. We are most honored by your faithful friendship. We want to help you build a legacy of fruitfulness through Union University for the betterment of our students, the advancement of our mission, and ultimately for the glory of God.
If I give to the Foundation, am I still giving to Union University?
Yes. The Foundation is, in many ways, simply an extension of the University. Its board of directors is appointed by the Union board of trustees. Union administrators will manage the operations of the Foundation. From a donor’s perspective, nothing about the act of giving to Union will change. The Foundation exists for the exclusive benefit of Union University.
Does any of the money I give cover Foundation administrative expenses?
No. These costs are funded through the University’s operating budget.
How can I be sure that the Foundation will make wise investments?
The Board of Directors is made up of top business leaders from across the region: financial planners, bank executives and investment counselors, who are committed evangelicals, dedicated to putting their extensive skills to work for you and for Union University.
What services can the Foundation provide?
The Foundation will offer comprehensive planned giving services at Union, and our advancement staff will be available for a variety of educational workshops and other seminars designed to help you understand how the Foundation can benefit you at tax time. Contact the University Relations office to schedule a workshop at your next church function, civic club meeting or other event.
How can I give to the Foundation?
Here are just a few of the options donors can consider as they chart a giving strategy that makes sense for their circumstances:
Direct Support
Donors may make direct gifts to the Foundation to support endowed scholarships, capital projects, or the university endowment.
Bequests
The will is one of the most popular vehicles for making gifts through one’s estate.
Charitable Remainder Unitrust
The most popular and flexible type of life income plan is a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT). Cash, securities, real property, or other assets are transferred into the trust.
The trustee manages the trust assets and pays the donor a variable income for life or for a term of years. When the trust terminates, the remaining assets in the trust are transferred to the beneficiary.
Charitable Gift Annuity
A contract in which the donor establishes an annuity with the University in exchange for payments of a fixed amount to the donor or the designated beneficiary.
Deferred Gift Annuity
As the name implies, this option is useful for those who need to benefit from a current income tax deduction, while deferring income until some point in the future (usually at retirement). The amount you receive each year (rate of return) depends upon your age now and your age when the payments are set to start.
Charitable Remainder Annuity
This trust pays a fixed percentage (at least 5 percent) of the initial value of the trust at least once a year. The payout is constant regardless of fluctuation in the value or trust earnings. In an annuity trust, if trust earnings are insufficient to make the required payments in any year, the difference is paid from trust principal.
