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Diversity of Giving

Back to the Annual Report 2007-08

How to Help

The emergence of Western Michigan University as a dynamic, globally engaged national research university is directly tied to the philanthropic support it receives each year from its many alumni and friends.

The tapestry of giving to Western continues to grow, as evidenced by the more than 21,000 donors who made gifts to our University during the 2007-08 fiscal year. Further proof of the diversity of our stakeholders is the fact that the WMU Foundation witnessed the establishment of 33 new true endowments last year, benefitting seven WMU academic colleges as well as other University programs.

By virtue of being a University, we are, by definition (“a large and diverse institution of higher learning,” according to Princeton’s WordNet) diverse. Private giving supports WMU’s wide array of offerings, which include 140 undergraduate programs, along with 67 master’s, one specialist and 29 doctoral programs.

Everyone who supports Western adds to the multitude of opportunities provided by our University. If you want to help WMU deliver the highest quality education in many unique disciplines, there are a number of ways to support our work.

• Gifts—Outright one-time gifts may be made with cash, credit cards, securities, real estate or personal property and may be designated to the college or program of your choice.
• Pledges—Multi-year commitments, often spread over a three-to-five-year period, enable you to make significant contributions in a manner that best accommodates your financial circumstances.
• Estate Gifts—Estate planning allows you to determine the best testamentary method (i.e. a simple bequest or gift of life insurance) to make an investment in the University at a level greater than you might be able to make during your lifetime. Additionally, some deferred gifts, such as gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts, may provide you with an income stream as well as income tax and estate tax benefits, all while providing a promising future for Western Michigan University.

Our staff is available to help you in becoming familiar with estate giving options. We encourage you, however, to seek the advice of your professional financial and/or legal advisor as you carry out your estate gift plans.

Your generous support of the people and programs at Western Michigan University is deeply appreciated. Investments like yours add to the rich texture of our University and provide a bright future for our students.