How Your Year-End Gift to the NSU Foundation Can Benefit You and Your University
As the year draws to a close, we enter a season filled with reflection, gratitude, and generosity. It is a time when we honor the people and institutions that enrich our lives. By supporting the Northwestern State University Foundation, you help strengthen academic excellence, enhance student opportunities, and advance the mission of our beloved university.
Your contribution uplifts NSU—and it may also offer meaningful financial advantages. With thoughtful planning, your year-end gift can make a lasting difference while potentially providing valuable tax savings.
Smart Ways to Give Before December 31
Before the year ends, consider which charitable giving options best match your personal goals and financial plans. Below are some of the most effective and popular approaches:
1. Give appreciated stock and maximize your tax benefits.
Donating stock that has increased in value allows you to receive a deduction for its full fair market value (up to 30% of your adjusted gross income) while avoiding capital gains tax on the appreciation.
2. Put your IRA to work for a purpose you believe in.
If you are 70½ or older, you can make a direct gift from your IRA—tax-free—to the NSU Foundation. These gifts can count toward your required minimum distribution, and you may also have the option to make a one-time IRA-funded charitable gift annuity that provides lifetime income. Consult your financial advisor for guidance on this specialized opportunity.
3. Support NSU through your donor advised fund.
If you have a donor advised fund, consider recommending a grant to NSU. Your tax deduction occurs when you contribute to the fund, and you can designate support to the area of the university that matters most to you.
4. Create a gift that pays you back.
Charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts offer you or a loved one fixed or variable income payments for life, with the remainder supporting NSU. When funded with appreciated stock, these gifts may offer a charitable deduction and eliminate upfront capital gains tax.
5. Make a direct impact with a cash gift.
Cash contributions are simple and immediately impactful. They may also qualify for a charitable income tax deduction of up to 60% of your adjusted gross income.
You may designate any gift to the NSU Foundation to the program, scholarship, or initiative of your choice.
Please consult your tax or legal advisors to ensure your year-end giving aligns with your financial goals.
Important Year-End Deadlines
To receive 2025 tax benefits, your gift must be completed by December 31.
Keep these gift-processing guidelines in mind:
- Stock gifts: The effective date is typically when shares reach the Foundation’s account.
- IRA contributions: Gifts must be received by December 31. IRA checks must also be dated by December 31 to count toward required minimum distributions.
- Donor advised fund grants: Your deduction applies when you contribute to your DAF; grants to NSU may be made at any time.
- Life income gifts: The gift date is the postmark on your envelope, or the date assets are deposited with the trustee.
- Checks: Must be postmarked on or before December 31 and dated no later than December 31, 2025.
Review your plans with your advisors to ensure all gifts qualify for the current tax year.
Your Generosity Makes a Difference
With thoughtful planning, your gift may allow you to:
- Reduce your income tax burden
- Increase your available income
- Lower or eliminate capital gains tax
“Giving brings joy, strengthens community, and reflects the best of who we are.”
Connect With Us
Phone: 318-357-4411
Email: bankstonj@nsula.edu or bernardc@nsula.edu
Mailing Address:
NSU Foundation
535 University Parkway
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Learn more: Ways to Give