Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I create income with my gift?

  Yes! St. John's has many plans for Gifts That Pay You Income. You can also provide income for a child, a grandchild, a parent, or a friend. That income can increase cash flow now and/or during retirement, pay for a college education, provide income for aging parents, or perhaps assist a loved one with special needs. You can also provide income to St. John's by using a Charitable Lead Trust.

• I am unable to make a current gift, but I'd still like to support St. John's in the future. Any ideas?

  An easy and low-cost way to make a gift to St. John's is to include St. John's in your will or revocable trust. Gifts by Will are a major source of endowment support at GDA. Each individual legacy contributes to our financial strength and ability to meet the needs of our students. If you have not already done so, please consider putting St. John's in your will or revocable trust. See our Bequest Language page for samples of how to do this. You can also designate The St. John's the beneficiary of Life Insurance, annuities, or Retirement-Plan Benefits.

• What asset should I use to make my gift?

  While cash or a check is a simple way to make a gift, you might want to consider the following:

  Gift Type	Possible Benefits
  Cash	Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  Appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  Transfer of residential, commercial, or undeveloped real estate	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income Relief from management
  Donate an interest in closely held or family business stock	Reduce the cost of passing the business to heirs Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income
  Give us tangible personal property like art, books, or collectibles	An income-tax charitable deduction
  Make St. John's the owner and beneficiary of life insurance or annuities	Income- and estate-tax savings

   

• Can I direct how St. John's will use my gift?

  Most often the answer to this is “yes”!! Many donors direct their gifts to support programs, scholarships, or endowments. Estate gifts may also be named by the donor or to remember a loved one. Please be sure to discuss this when you make your gift.

• How will St. John's recognize my gift?

  Your gift will be acknowledged and celebrated! If your gift is a bequest commitment, or through life insurance, life-income plans, or lead trusts, you will become a permanent member of the Tocqueville Legacy Society. Of course, we will also honor any requests for gifts to be anonymous.

• Why should I consider a gift to St. John's?

  Gifts are made for many different reasons. Often gifts are made:

  • To express gratitude for the education you received.
  • To honor a loved one.
  • To ensure St. John’s will remain a vibrant and strong place for future students.
  • To celebrate a special occasion.

Please contact the Gift Planning Office for more information.