Reach Your Philanthropic and Financial Goals with Legacy Giving
A legacy gift enables you to support Moravian University and Theological Seminary and Lancaster Theological Seminary and secures the financial needs of your loved ones while providing you with tax benefits. It enables you to make a more significant gift than you thought possible while simultaneously allowing you to achieve your overall financial, philanthropic, and estate-planning goals.
By including Moravian in your will or trust, naming Moravian as a beneficiary of all or part of a life insurance policy, or taking advantage of other giving opportunities, you can preserve your assets now and support Moravian for years to come. Your gift will have a real, lasting impact.
Let us help you give the gift that's right for you.
Request a confidential, no-obligation conversation to get started.
Get in touch with us
Join the Cornerstone Society
When you establish a legacy gift with Moravian, you'll be welcomed into the Cornerstone Society and join other supporters and friends in our important mission.
Is Moravian already in your plans? Please let us know so we can properly thank you and make sure your gift will be used as you've intended.
Share Your Plans With Us! (opens in a new window)Ways to Give
Not only do you have options for how your gift to Moravian University and Theological Seminary and Lancaster Theological Seminary will be used, you also have options on what to give and ways to give. There are gifts that cost you nothing now, gifts that pay you income, and gifts that allow you to decide what happens when.
Planned Giving Options at a Glance
| Your Gift | When to Give | Way to Give | Potential Tax Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bequest | Through Your Estate | Cash, Appreciated Securities, or Real Estate/Property | Estate Tax, Capital Gains |
| Beneficiary Designation | Through Your Estate | Cash | Estate Tax or Income Tax |
| Appreciated Securities | During Your Life or Through Your Estate | Stocks, Bonds or Mutual Funds | Capital Gains |
| IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution | During Your Life (age 70 ½ or older) | Through your IRA | Income Tax |
| Charitable Remainder Trust | During Your Life or Through Your Estate | Cash, Appreciated Securities, Real Estate/Property, or Complex Assets | Income Tax, Capital Gains, or Estate Tax |
| Charitable Gift Annuity | During Your Life or Through Your Estate | Cash or Appreciated Securities | Income Tax, Capital Gains, or Estate Tax |
| Charitable Lead Trust | During Your Life or Through Your Estate | Cash, Appreciated Securities, Real Estate/Property, or Complex Assets | Income Tax, Capital Gains, Gift Tax, or Estate Tax |
| Complex Assets | During Your Life | Multiple Options | Income Tax, Capital Gains, or Estate Tax |
| Real Estate | During Your Life or Through Your Estate | Real Estate | Capital Gains, Estate Tax, Income Tax |
| Personal Property | During Your Life or Through Your Estate | Personal Property | Capital Gains, Income Tax, Estate Tax |
Gifts From Your Will
Through a provision in your written and executed will, you can give a gift in the form of cash, securities, real estate or personal property. There are many types of bequests. Choose the one that best fits your needs and intentions.
Learn More and view Sample Bequest Language
Gifts That Pay You
You can turn underperforming assets (stock, cash in a savings account, CDs, savings bonds, etc.) into a gift to Moravian that provides income to you. Your Charitable Gift Annuity will give you regular, fixed payments for life and tax benefits, too.
Learn More about CGA Information
Beneficiary Designation and Grants
Designate Moravian as a beneficiary to receive all or a portion of the balance of your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) through your fund administrator. You also can make a grant to us at any time from your DAF.
Learn More about DAFs
Charitable IRA Rollover
If you're 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift directly from your IRA to Moravian. While there is no charitable deduction for a rollover gift, you do avoid the income tax on the donated portion of your required minimum distribution.
Learn More about IRA Rollover Information
Beneficiary Designation and Paid-Up Policies
Name Moravian as the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy; donate an existing, paid-up life insurance policy you no longer need; or purchase a new life insurance policy and name Moravian as the owner and beneficiary.
Learn More about Life Insurance
Gifts of Real Estate
Like stock, the fair market value of gifts of appreciated assets such as real estate, artwork, and other well-curated collections, can be deducted from your income tax today and reduce your estate taxes in the future.
Learn More about Estate Gift Information
Retirement Accounts
Naming Moravian as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan asset, such as a 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Keogh, profit-sharing pension plan, or other Donor Advised Funds, will accomplish a charitable goal while realizing significant tax savings.
Learn More about Retirement Accounts
Appreciated Stock
When you donate appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares instead of cash, you'll receive charitable deductions at full, fair market value while reducing capital gains impact.
Learn More and Download Stock Transfer Information
Other Legacy Giving Vehicles
There are many other ways to support Moravian through a legacy giving vehicle. Charitable Remainder Trusts, lead trusts, endowments, and more may be good options for you. We can show you creative ways to use your assets to benefit Moravian, while at the same time preserving the benefits of those assets for you and your family.
Download a Reference Guide (opens in a new window)Our mission is a promise—one that we intend to keep.
We promise you:
- Recognition and Respect:
We will always honor your wishes regarding public recognition (or anonymity). - Proper Stewardship:
We will make every effort to use the gift as designated (scholarships, research, programs, etc.). - Transparency:
We will provide accountability through annual reports and/or personal updates that show how the funds were used and what impact they made. - Ethical Responsibility:
We will ensure donations are never misused, diverted, or treated casually, and that the university adheres to the highest level of fundraising ethics.
Meet Our Supporters
Supporters just like you have made a real impact just by adding a few words to their will or using one of the many giving options available.
Melissa Miller Robbins ’69
I can’t imagine Moravian without the HUB.
Robert C. May ’74, P’02, GP’22
The Class of 1974 International Experience Fund enables global experiences
Rich ’70 and Elizabeth Anderson
Cornerstone Society Member
James G. Chase ’76
Leaving a Legacy
Carolyn D. Felker ’68
I designate my full RMD annually.
Randy Ziegenfuss ’87
Professor of Practice; Director of the Ed.D. program; supports Moravian with recurring and legacy gifts.