Founders Society

Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf founded the National Farm School in April 1896 on a 122-acre parcel of land in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Over the next 12 decades, the school grew exponentially, becoming a university in 2015. Today, Delaware Valley University encompasses more than 1,000 acres and has grown into an academically rigorous, interdisciplinary institution that retains its founding focus on experiential learning.

In 2004, in honor of Rabbi Krauskopf, then-President Thomas Leamer established the Founders Society to recognize a special group of dedicated donors who support DelVal through their estate plans. Since that time, more than 130 alumni and friends have joined this unique society of philanthropists to show their appreciation for DelVal and its role in their lives, careers and community. Together, the members of the Founders Society help shape the future of Delaware Valley University.

By establishing a planned gift in support of DelVal or by including the University in your estate plan, you can do the same. As a planned gift donor, you will become a member of the Founders Society, and your generous contribution will ensure the future vitality of the University.

Sir Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." Through a planned gift, you are creating a legacy at DelVal that will transform the lives of students for generations to come. For more information on ways to give through your estate plan, click here.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Delaware Valley University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to Delaware Valley University, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 700 East Butler Avenue, Doylestown, PA 18901, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to DelVal or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to DelVal as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to DelVal as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and DelVal where you agree to make a gift to DelVal and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

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