A legacy gift enables you to support Lehigh University, secures the financial needs of your loved ones, and provides you with tax benefits. Legacy gifts of all sizes combine to help us meet our current goals and reach further into the future.
By including Lehigh University in your will or trust, naming Lehigh 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 Lehigh for years to come. Your gift will have a real, lasting impact.
Request a confidential, no-obligation conversation to get started.
Get in touch with usWhen you make a gift to Lehigh University from your will or trust, you will be welcomed into the Tower Society and join other benefactors and friends of our important mission. Is Lehigh University already in your plans? Please let us know so we can properly thank you and make sure your gift will be used as you have intended.
Not only do you have options for how your gift to Lehigh University will be used, you also have options on what to give and how 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.
Through a provision in your written and executed will, you can make 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.
View Bequest Language >
You can turn underperforming assets (stock, cash in a savings account, CDs, savings bonds, etc.) into a gift to Lehigh that provides income to you. Your Charitable Gift Annuity will give you monthly, fixed payments for life and tax benefits, too.
View CGA Information >
Designate Lehigh 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 donor-advised fund.
Learn More about DAFs >
If you're 70 ½ or older, you can make a gift directly from your IRA to Lehigh. 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.
View IRA Rollover Information >
Name Lehigh University 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 Lehigh University as the owner and beneficiary.
Learn More about Life Insurance >
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.
View Real Estate Gift Information >
Naming Lehigh University 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.
View Beneficiary Gifts >
When you donate appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares instead of cash, you will receive charitable deductions at full, fair market value while reducing capital gains impact.
View Stock Transfer Information >
There are many other ways to support Lehigh University through a planned giving vehicle. Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Trusts, Life Insurance and more may be good options for you. We can show you creative ways to use your assets to benefit Lehigh University, while at the same time preserving the benefits of those assets for you and your family.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Options >
The Endowment serves as a key source of funding to the University each year, providing for scholarships, academic programs, and faculty endowed chairs.
Learn More About Endowments in a new window >
We are excited to offer Lehigh’s many multi-generational families and others educational programs and activities that illuminate opportunities for meaningful family conversations about values, wealth, and philanthropy. Partnering with leading experts, we will share tools for family communication, philanthropic vision, legacy planning, succession and education. Join our mailing list to receive relevant articles a few times per year and invitations to special events about Family Philanthropy.
Donors 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.
Inspiring the future makers: Sam Banks’ gift will fund one of the highest academic awards that a university can bestow on a faculty member
A gift that supports education for all, forever
Roy Cravzow ’61: Honoring professors who changed his life.
$5 million gift to fund Lehigh University art galleries. The gift from Kenneth R. Woodcock ’65 will preserve LUAG’s teaching collection and enhance art education.
James is a member of the Lehigh University Board of Trustees
“Here comes the neighborhood.”
Assistant Vice President Planned Giving and Family Philanthropy
(610) 758-4874
Director of Parent & Family Giving
(610) 758-5142
Lehigh University Development & Alumni Relations
(610) 758-4749
306 S. New Street, Suite 500
Bethlehem, PA 18015
If you are working with a professional advisor, or advising a donor, here's a practical guide for including in a charitable estate plan.
Download Advisor Guide
