What is an endowment?

An endowment is a gift that is invested in perpetuity. A portion of the interest earned supports the endowment's purpose, and any additional income is reinvested in the endowment to grow the fund and protect it from inflation. Thus endowments provide continuous support that allows the university to plan from one year to the next and strengthens the vitality of the University of Wyoming far into the future.

How do I create an endowment?

An endowment may be created with an outright gift, a pledge over a number of years, or with a gift from your estate or other charitable gift plan. They can be funded by cash or gifts of stock, real estate, or other assets. Because of the perpetual nature of an endowment, a written gift agreement or provision in your will or trust is the best way to ensure that the purpose of the fund is clear. To create an endowment during your lifetime, the UW Foundation can assist you in preparing a gift agreement that defines the purpose of the fund and meets your needs as well as those of the university.

Is there a minimum gift amount required to establish an endowment?

Depending on the purpose of the endowment, the university has established minimum gift amounts. For example, general support or scholarships can be established with a minimum gift of $25,000. However, it's more about whether your gift can achieve your intended goal. Contact the UW Foundation to match your priorities with those of your area of interest and to talk about how much is necessary to achieve your intended goals.

What planned giving tools can be used for a planned gift to UW?

There are a number of ways to structure a planned gift, including wills trusts, retirement plans, life insurance, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and retained life estates. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these. To learn more about using tools to create a planned gift, please contact the UW Foundation planned giving office at pg@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-6300 or toll-free (888) 831-7795.

FAQs

Q: How can I include UW in my will?

We have provided guidance and suggested language for a bequest on our website.

Q: What goals might I have for charitable giving and what are the benefits?

There are many things you can accomplish with your estate. You might want to provide for a loved one after you are gone. You may want to save on estate taxes. You may want to leave a legacy.

Q: I have established a planned gift for UW through another service provider. How do I notify UW?

Contact the UW Foundation planned giving office at pg@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-6300 or toll-free (888) 831-7795. You can also mail information to the UW Foundation, 222 South 22nd Street, Laramie, WY 82070.

Q: Can I designate my planned gift for a specific purpose?

Yes, you may designate any planned gift to a specific college, department, unit, scholarship, or other purpose at the University of Wyoming. However, consider that gifts that are left open and flexible can be applied to a university program's most critical needs as they arise. As with any gift, discuss the focus of the gift with UW Foundation staff, if possible, and they will be able to match your priorities with those of your area of interest as well as to guide you in how much is necessary to achieve your intended goals. These services are provided at no cost.

Q: What if I would like to support other charities in addition to UW?

We can help you structure your planned gift however you would like. We have designed many estate plans that benefit other charities in addition to UW while also providing for donors' families.

Q: Can assets other than cash be used to fund a planned gift to UW?

Yes, you can support UW with securities such as stocks and mutual funds, real estate, personal property, and business interests. Know that donating long-term appreciated assets such as securities or real estate may bring even more benefits to a donor. By giving these assets to UW to establish a planned gift such a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust, a donor can reduce capital-gain taxes and still receive a charitable deduction and other tax and income benefits. To learn more about using assets other than cash to create a planned gift, please contact the UW Foundation planned giving office at pg@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-6300 or toll-free (888) 831-7795.

How can I include UW in my will?

You can include a gift to UW by taking this sample language to your advisor to add to your will or trust:

“I give [___] to the University of Wyoming Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (Tax ID 83-0201971), to be used for [area of your choice or general purposes].”

We recommend working with your attorney to ensure your plans reflect your wishes. If you’d like to notify us or have questions, contact us at pg@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-4259.

What goals might I have for charitable giving and what are the benefits?

Charitable giving can help you support a cause you care about, leave a lasting legacy, reduce taxes, and provide for loved ones. Some planned gifts, such as charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts, can also provide you or a beneficiary with steady income for life.

I have established a planned gift for UW through another service provider. How do I notify UW?

If you’d like to notify us or have questions, contact us at pg@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-4259.

Can I designate my planned gift for a specific purpose?

Yes! You can direct your gift to a college, program, scholarship, or area that matters most to you. We’re happy to help you craft language that ensures your wishes are honored. Contact us at pg@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-4259 to get started.

What if I would like to support other charities in addition to UW?

Many donors choose to support multiple charities through their will, trust, or by naming them as beneficiaries on accounts such as retirement plans or life insurance. Your attorney or financial advisor can help you divide your gift by percentage or amount to reflect your values.

Can assets other than cash be used to fund a planned gift to UW?

Yes. Many planned gifts are made using assets like retirement accounts, life insurance, real estate, securities, mineral rights, or other non-cash property. We’re happy to help you explore the best option for your goals.

What types of planned gifts can be made to UW?

There are many ways to make a planned gift to the University of Wyoming:
- Gifts in a will or trust
- Beneficiary designations (retirement accounts, life insurance, etc.)
- Charitable gift annuities
- Charitable remainder trusts
- Gifts of real estate, securities, business interests, or mineral rights
- Donor-advised fund recommendations

We can help you find the option that best fits your goals. Contact us at pg@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-4259.

Can I remain anonymous in my giving?

Yes. If you prefer to keep your gift private, we will fully honor your wishes and exclude your name from any public recognition.
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What is the Legacy Society and how do I join?

The Legacy Society honors individuals who include UW in their estate plans. To join, simply notify us of your intentions—no minimum gift is required.
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What if I change my mind after making a planned gift?

We understand that life circumstances can change. Most planned gifts are flexible and can be updated at any time.
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Can I make a planned gift if I don’t consider myself wealthy?

Absolutely. Planned giving is for everyone. Even a modest gift can make a lasting impact and support future generations at UW.
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Can I use a donor-advised fund to support UW?

Yes. You can recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund to benefit the University of Wyoming. Please check with your DAF provider for any specific requirements. For your convenience, you can now connect directly to your DAF when making a gift on the UW giving page. At checkout, simply select the DAFPay option and follow the prompts to link to your fund. This secure process makes it quick and easy to recommend a grant in just a few clicks.
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How do charitable gift annuities or charitable trusts work?

These gifts allow you to support UW while receiving income during your lifetime. Contact us to learn more or request a personalized illustration.pg@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-4259.
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What is University of Wyoming's tax identification number (EIN)?

Legal Name: University of Wyoming Foundation
Tax ID or EIN: 83-0201971

I've included UW in my estate. How do I let you know?

Thank you for your generosity! You can notify us by completing a simple Notification of Legacy Gift form or reaching out directly. Sharing your plans helps ensure your gift is used as intended and allows us to recognize you through the Legacy Society. Contact us at pg@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-4259.

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