Gift Options

We encourage you to check out Planned Giving or contact the University of West Florida’s Development office with any questions. We can discuss your interests, give you more information about the benefits of each option and explain steps necessary to complete your gift. You can reach the Development office at 850.474.2758.

The following opportunities for support should make your gift giving experience as simple and as direct as possible. 

Cash/Check

The simplest way to support the University of West Florida is by writing a check. Your gift may designate support for a specific program such as the Annual Fund, or it may be undesignated, which allows the University to direct it to an area of greatest need.

Pledge

You may find that a pledge gift is easier to make because it can be made over one or multiple years. You can make a pledge gift simply by signing a pledge agreement with UWF. You get the benefit of a tax deduction when your pledge payments are made. Contact the Development office to learn more about pledging support to UWF.

Securities

Gifts of long-term appreciated securities may help provide relief from capital gains tax and, at the same time, present charitable tax deductions. Charitable tax deductions are based on the fair market value of the security on the day of the gift. UWF is able to sell the securities and use the proceeds to advance the mission of the University. Please see Transferring Securities to UWF‌ for additional details.

Real Estate

A gift of real estate may be a principal residence or a vacation residence, a farm, a commercial building, subdivision lots or unimproved land. The gift may be the entire property or a fractional interest in the property. The same benefits that apply to gifts of appreciated securities apply to gifts of real estate. Gifts of real estate require approval of the University of West Florida Foundation, Inc.

Tangible Property

Tangible personal property, such as paintings, works of art or antiques will be subject to estate taxes. By giving such items to the University of West Florida, during lifetime, or at death, alumni and friends may realize certain benefits and take advantage of yet another way to make a gift. Gifts of tangible personal property that are related to the mission of the University may provide a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the property. Gifts of tangible personal property require approval by the University of West Florida Foundation, Inc.

Life Insurance

Life insurance offers yet another way to make an outright gift to the University of West Florida. A life insurance policy would be a good gift option when the policy is no longer needed. It may also be a way to make a gift without loss of current income. A gift of life insurance may be flexible--a donor may give a paid up policy to the University or simply name UWF the primary or secondary beneficiary. Charitable deductions will vary based on how the policy is gifted.

Life Income Gifts

For many alumni and friends, the desire to make a gift to the University of West Florida is coupled with the need to also receive income from those assets. Fortunately, there are life income arrangements that make it possible for a donor to achieve both objectives and also receive tax benefits as well.

Life income gifts to UWF may take two basic forms:

• Charitable Gift Annuity
• Charitable Remainder Trust

Testamentary Gifts

Testamentary gifts are a way to make substantial gifts to UWF without depleting assets during your lifetime. Many people do this through a will or living trust.

Charitable Lead Trust

A charitable lead trust is the mirror image of the charitable remainder trust. The initial or lead interest of the trust is for the benefit of the University of West Florida. Assets are transferred into a charitable lead trust, which distributes its income to UWF for a term of years. At the end of the trust term, the trust then distributes the trust assets to designated non-charitable beneficiaries, usually children or grandchildren.

The charitable lead trust can be a very powerful in gift and estate tax planning, but its complexity requires expert legal and tax advice and planning. Please visit Planned Giving for guidance.

Gifts-in-Kind

Gifts-in-kind are non-monetary gifts such as equipment, technology, software, rare books, art and similar collectibles. According to UWF policy, gifts-in-kind must be useful in a way that serves the mission of the University. Gifts meeting this criteria may be transferred to the University of West Florida Foundation.

Corporate Matching Gifts

Corporate matching gifts are an easy way to double or even triple the value of your gift.  A matching corporate gift can be any negotiable gift such as cash, stocks or bonds that are matched by your company or employer. Just send in your company’s gift form with your gift. The University of West Florida will benefit from your gift and your company's or employer's gift, and you'll get the benefit of a tax deduction for the value of your gift.

Check our matching gift database to find out if your employer qualifies or contact your company's human resources office for more information.