Planned Giving: Leaving a Legacy and Impacting Lives

Students and faculty experience the impact of planned giving in many ways such as an endowed scholarship or a program support fund.

When Ithaca College’s associate vice president of philanthropy April Mazza was asked about planned giving, the first thing she noted was that the misconceptions surrounding legacy giving are widespread.

“Oftentimes, our alumni and friends think only the extremely wealthy can make a planned gift to their alma mater,” said Mazza. “That is far from the truth. We work with our alumni to document their planned gifts from $1,000 up, helping them direct their gift to the part of IC that means the most to them. Regardless of the amount, every gift makes a difference.”

Maura Keenan headshot

Maura Keenan '93

Planned giving—any gift that’s included as part of a person’s long-term financial or estate plans—can take several forms. It can be as simple as naming Ithaca College as a beneficiary in a will or making the college a beneficiary of a specific dollar amount or percentage of a retirement plan or life insurance policy.

Another popular way to make a planned gift is by establishing a life income gift. A charitable gift annuity can be established with either cash or appreciated securities, and it provides the donor with income for life.

“There are several ways for people to include IC in their long-term financial plans to cast a legacy within the college,” Mazza said. “We are so grateful to our alumni that have included us in their plans and for the impact their gift will have on future IC students.”Maura Keenan ’93, a School of Business alumna, offers one example of planned giving. A former member of the women’s basketball and softball teams, Keenan generously left $50,000 in her will to those programs.

“I wanted it to go to the two programs that had a big influence in my life, to give opportunities to student-athletes to do things they couldn’t otherwise do,” she said. “A bequest is a wonderful way to leave a legacy and impact lives well past your years.”

I wanted it to go to the two programs that had a big influence in my life, to give opportunities to student-athletes to do the things they couldn't do otherwise. A bequest is a wonderful way to leave a legacy and impact loves well past your years.

Maura Keenan '93

Students and faculty experience the impact of planned giving in many ways, such as through an endowed scholarship or faculty support fund—or through a program support fund, like Keenan. They can direct their gift to an existing fund, or with a minimum gift, donors can establish a named, endowed fund that will provide financial support to an area of their choice. Once the gift is received, the investment dividends from that endowment are distributed each year as awards, leaving a perpetual gift and ensuring a donor’s legacy on South Hill.

“We encourage our alumni to speak with us about their intentions so that we can help establish awarding criteria for their fund,” said Mazza. “Across campus, we see the impact of planned gifts, from scholarships to artwork, faculty support, and beyond.”

Join the Founder’s Circle!

Alumni who have generously committed to supporting Ithaca College through a legacy gift are invited to join the Founder’s Circle.

Members are recognized for their philanthropy and invited to attend special events throughout the year.

Learn More