Donors often ask, “What’s the best way to make a gift to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)?” Our answer: “It’s what works best for you.” You could write a check, transfer appreciated stock or name the MUSC Foundation in your will or as a beneficiary designation.

Some donors choose to combine several giving options — a strategy often called a “blended gift.” A blended gift simply combines two or more types of charitable gifts to meet both personal and philanthropic goals. Take Rose and Jason, who each want to make a gift of $100,000.

Rose wants to see her gift at work right away but is concerned about retirement income. Rose blends three different gifts:

• She makes an outright gift of appreciated stock worth $20,000. The shares pay no dividends, so her gift does not affect her income while making a difference right away. Rose may also avoid the capital gains tax she would incur if she sold the shares.
• She addresses her concerns about retirement income by contributing $30,000 for a charitable gift annuity from the MUSC Foundation. The annuity will provide dependable, partially tax-free payments to her for life.
• She includes a $50,000 gift to the MUSC Foundation in her will. Making a gift in her will gives Rose access to these assets during her lifetime in case she needs them.

Jason plans to establish a $100,000 endowment fund but wants to fund it over several years to accommodate his financial needs. Jason blends two different gifts:

• He pledges $10,000 each year toward his endowment, understanding that distributions from the endowment will begin once it is fully funded.
• To ensure his endowment is fully funded, he names the MUSC Foundation as the remainder beneficiary of his retirement account.

Blended gifts offer many ways to align your financial goals with your charitable interests. As you plan your giving to MUSC, we would be happy to talk with you about how to make it fit just right for you.