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Why do people like making planned gifts?

Planned gifts (most commonly a donation made in your will or trust) cost nothing today and allow you to make an incredible impact, which is why so many people choose to make them.

There are some other exciting but less common gifts — scroll down to learn more!

Popular gifts for the future

See what types of gifts many people choose to make. Many people make these to honor a loved one, to show what’s important in their life.

Popular

Gifts in a will or trust

Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will or trust – for free!

Learn more

Beneficiary designations

Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.

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Popular gifts for today

Many people love these donation options because they fit with their personal circumstances and financial goals.

Stocks and securities

Many people love donating stock or mutual funds because it may help them avoid paying capital gains taxes.

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Donor Advised Funds

Easily recommend grants to Cedar Crest College for tax-efficient giving.

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Cryptocurrency

Donate Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more to save on taxes and make a big impact.

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Qualified Charitable Distributions

Use your IRA to make tax-free gifts that benefit you and our mission.

Learn more

Please let us know if you’ve already included us in your estate plans!

Letting us know is incredibly helpful to our team and helps to make sure your gift is used the way you want it to be.

Planned giving helps fuel Cedar Crest College’s mission

A gift in your will creates a foundation for the future. Our work today is important, but it is equally, if not more important, to ensure Cedar Crest College can continue well into the future.

Allie Harpster’s Story

Who are these ladies, and why are they smiling? They met on the Cedar Crest campus, freshman year, in September of 1965. Six of the seven lived in Curtis Hall. Their friendships have endured for just shy of 60 years…

They matured from right-out-of-high school 18-year-olds into young, educated career women, who married, raised children, loved, laughed, and cried through all of life’s joys & tribulations. The common thread was their enduring relationships, which served as a bridge to deal with the drama that often occurs in life.

Now in the September of their lives, these connections are even more meaningful. When they meet in person (mostly in September), it is as if no time has passed. They giggle like teenagers, talk about old boyfriends, pull up Google maps, and do a lot of “remember when?” The only thing missing is Curtis Hall!

What a gift the college has provided – the opening act on the stage of life – through intermission – and now – as the denouement approaches – a rich appreciation for the value of lifelong friendships.

Thank you, Cedar Crest, for giving us a “successful launch” and providing the glue that has sustained us all these years!”


Allie Svaby Harpster ’69
Allie has generously left the College a donation in her will. She wants to give back and make a lasting impact on a place that has given her so much. 

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.

Yes! Knowing in advance about your intentions is quite helpful to our staff, but you are always welcome to not share your gift.

We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).

Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.

Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.

Make your will today

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We’re here to help you meet your goals!

Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.

Name: Heather Ennis

Title :Director of Philanthropy

Phone: 610-606-4666 ext. 3511

Email: Heather.Ennis@cedarcrest.edu

Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know

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