Like you, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is feeling the effects of inflation and navigating volatility in the markets. We are grateful for the steadfast and generous support of our donors as we adapt and continue to serve our community through cutting-edge research, compassionate patient care and world-class education.

If anxiety about financial security makes you reluctant to think about a charitable contribution now, there are charitable gift plans that can allow you to help MUSC and preserve flexibility for you in case your circumstances change. 

We know that you have financial priorities, and that charitable giving differs from your financial plans in important ways. A charitable contribution is a tangible way to make a positive difference in our society, and at MUSC.

Current Gifts to Make a Difference Now

You can have the most immediate impact with a current gift. Your tax savings can double if you contribute appreciated securities like stocks or mutual funds that are now worth more than you paid for them (even if they’ve lost some value recently). Giving appreciated securities avoids the capital gains tax that you would owe if you sold them, and you can take an income tax deduction for the current value of your investment.

If you are 70½ or older you can avoid taxes with a tax-free Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA account. A QCD will count toward your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) without increasing your income taxes.

Preserving Flexibility with a Legacy Gift

A gift from your will or trust can provide future support for MUSC while preserving flexibility in case your circumstances change. 

You can contribute from your bank or other financial accounts with a beneficiary designation. This gift is simple, just ask your financial institution to specify MUSC to receive some or all of your account after you are gone.

A legacy gift as a beneficiary designation from your retirement account is a very tax-efficient way of giving because it avoids the income tax that your estate or the heirs would have paid on funds left in your retirement account.

Gifts That Provide Income

A life income gift can provide lifetime payments to you or others in exchange for your contribution.  The amount of income can be fixed or variable and can last for one or more lifetimes. You will receive an income tax deduction for the value of the contribution and avoid capital gains tax if you contribute appreciated property. The charitable gift annuity is seeing renewed interest due to a recent increase in payout rates – MUSC can now offer you an even more generous annual payment.

During these times it is more important than ever to remember that by helping others we can help ourselves.  Please reach out to Dana R. Taylor to discover a gift plan that works for you.

Dana R. Taylor
Director of Planned Giving
843.792.3592
tayldana@musc.edu