About the Foundation

The Western New Mexico University Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, organized to generate, receive, manage, invest or reinvest and prudently disburse gifts, and other donations of financial value to, be used for the sole purpose of promoting, enhancing, and contributing to the accomplishments of Western New Mexico University. All gifts to Western New Mexico University are coordinated through the Foundation.

The Western New Mexico University Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director. The Board of Directors' meetings are conducted on the third Friday of each month. The Foundation offices are located on the second floor of J.D. Hunter Hall (the renovated Heating Plant building) on Western's main campus in Silver City.

Ways of Giving

to the
Western New Mexico University
Foundation

YOUR GIFT to The Western New Mexico University Foundation qualifies for the highest possible deduction for charitable contributions under federal law. A donation to the Foundation can therefore help you minimize your income tax burden while you support excellence in education.

Outright Gifts:

Cash

Most gifts are made by check. If you itemize, such outright gifts are generally deductible up to 50% of your adjusted gross income.

Real Estate

A gift of real estate can be tax-wise. Real estate may have so appreciated in value since it was purchased that its sale would mean a sizable capital gains tax. By making a gift of such property instead, you will avoid the capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property. An independent, qualified appraisal of your property is required if you wish to claim a deduction.

You may also give your property to the Foundation now, while retaining the right to use it for your lifetime. Known as a Retained Life Estate, you would receive an income tax deduction once your property is deeded to the Foundation.

Marketable Securities

Contributions of marketable securities such as bonds, municipals, convertibles, treasury bills, or a mixture of these that have appreciated since you acquired them, can also offer excellent tax benefits.

Stock

A gift of stock that you have held for more than one year, and which has increased in value, can be particularly wise. If you were to sell the stock, you would have to pay a capital gains tax on the increase in value.

By making a gift of the stock to the WNMU Foundation, however, you avoid tax on this gain. In addition, your charitable contribution deduction is equal to the full fair market value of the stock. This amount is generally deductible up to 30% of your adjusted gross income.

Tangible Personal Property

Gifts of art, jewelry and other personal property can also be given to the WNMU Foundation.
A professional appraisal will be required to determine the value of these contributions.

Deferred Gifts:

Bequests

One of the simplest ways to make a gift to the Foundation is through your will. You can name the Western New Mexico University Foundation the direct beneficiary of specific assets, of a portion of your estate, or of
your residual estate after payment of other bequests. Bequests to the Foundation are entirely free from federal estate tax and therefore offer substantial estate tax savings. There is no limit on the amount.

Trusts

Trusts are often created for tax-saving or management reasons, or both. There are many different kinds of trusts that can benefit surviving family, charitable institutions and organizations, or a combination of beneficiaries. See your attorney for details. The Foundation would be glad to provide you with additional information on charitable trusts that can benefit you as well as Western New Mexico University.

Life Insurance Beneficiary

A gift of life insurance can provide a significant charitable deduction. You could purchase a new policy or donate a policy that you currently own but no longer need. To receive a deduction, designate the Western New Mexico University Foundation as both the owner and the beneficiary of the life insurance policy. Check with your insurance agent for the details.

POD Designations on certificates of deposits and personal accounts.

Certificates of deposit and personal accounts can be designated to be paid to the Western New Mexico University Foundation upon your death.

Retirement Plans

You can name the Foundation as a beneficiary for part or all of your Individual Retirement Plan (IRA), Keogh plan, 401(k), 403(b), or other qualified pension plan. The proceeds of these plans are distributed outside of probate and are entirely free from federal estate tax.

Other Assets

The Western New Mexico University Foundation can also be listed in the residuary clause of your will. This is a provision that disposes of all property that remains in your estate after all debts and expenses have been paid.

Legal Designation
of the Western New Mexico University Foundation

The Foundation should be named as the "Western New Mexico University Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, tax #85-0305630, organized and existing under the laws of the State of New Mexico, and with current business address of 1000 College Avenue, Silver City, New Mexico 88061."

Use of Gift

All donations to the Foundation shall fall into specific categories.

Restricted endowed:

The donor gift remains invested forever...
only the designated interest earnings are spent each year.

Restricted expendable:

Gifts are designated to a specific purpose or restricted to an area of interest.

Unrestricted:

Gifts are earmarked for the Vital Difference Fund and used where they are needed.

Designations of Restricted Contributions

(Expendable or Endowed)
Less than $5,000:
Contributions to the Foundation will be placed in any of the following designated areas:

• scholarships

• faculty development

• staff development

• extracurricular activities

• program areas

• capital improvements/equipment

Designated funds will be placed in a general account for each of the above categories.

$5000 or more:
Endowed accounts may be established over a five year period and the donor will receive an annual status report.

Naming & Recognition

The Western New Mexico Foundation provides for minimum gift amounts that entitle the donor to receive the benefit and recognition by naming a building, a chair, academic programs or endowments. Deferred funds shall not be considered fulfilled commitments for naming purposes until the full amount of the financial obligation is confirmed. The Foundation will allocate 70% of the earned interest from investments to the appropriate funds endowment purpose, 15% to the funds corpus and the remaining 15% to the fund's management. These percentages may change subject to the Board's discretion.

Donor Recognition

Minimum Gifts for Naming

Final approval of names is subject to the process, University policy, and authority stipulated by state law.

How to Make Your Gift

There are many types of charitable gifts with substantial tax advantages, and we would be pleased to provide you with additional information and assistance. The information in this brochure is general in nature; you should contact your own professional tax advisor to learn how this information relates to your individual circumstances.

If you are interested in exploring any of the options presented in this brochure, the Foundation is available to discuss them with you and your tax advisor.

Please call or write us at:
Western New Mexico University Foundation
PO Box 1158, Silver City, NM 88062
1(800) 872-9668 ext 8
OR (575) 538-6310

Your Invaluable Support
People sometimes name Western New Mexico University Foundation in their wills and never let us acknowledge their invaluable support. If you are one of these generous - but anonymous - individuals, or if you would like more information about including the Foundation in your financial plans, please complete and return this form.