A Gift That Grew From a Strong Foundation

Dan and Joanne DaCunha

Dan and Joanne DaCunha

Giving back is a recurring theme for Delaware Valley University and for Joanne and Dan DaCunha. Maybe that's why the three have been inextricably linked for decades.

Now, thanks to planned gifts in their wills, the DaCunhas will be forever connected to the university that has stood by them for life.

"DelVal is different and we will continue to support the university because of its commitment to each student's success in life," Dan says.

DelVal's lifelong support was a pivotal foundation that helped the couple succeed in life and in their careers.

"They even helped Dan, years after he graduated, find a wonderful career opportunity that changed the course of our lives," Joanne says.

Through gifts in their wills, also known as bequests, they hope to change the course of others' lives, a gesture that doesn't go unnoticed at DelVal.

"A bequest is one of the easiest and most popular ways to create a legacy at DelVal," says Maryann Fox, executive director of major gifts. "Anyone can make a planned gift, at any age, in any amount, and it will make a difference at DelVal and in our students' lives."

"The DaCunhas' generous donation will provide support for programs and services offered to our students and the university community," she adds. "We are thankful that they have made DelVal a philanthropic priority."

Anytime, in Any Amount

A gift in your will helps future DelVal students succeed at the university and in life. Contact Joseph Fiochetta at joe.fiochetta@delval.edu or 215.489.2921 to learn more.

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

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address