P.L.A.N. Your Gift

Planned giving is the process of making a charitable gift in a way that provides maximum benefit to the charity, to you as the donor, and to others about whom you care. Such gifts usually require thoughtful consideration.  While making a well-planned gift can range from being very simple to quite complex, it is always one of life’s most satisfying experiences. 

Southeast Missouri University Foundation has received numerous planned gifts. Each one of these gifts has been received with sincere and enthusiastic appreciation.  Though every gift has a special quality, we have learned that some gifts stand out from the rest as extra special. And interestingly, it’s not the size of a gift that makes it particularly special. What makes a gift extra special are the circumstances surrounding it, and certain common characteristics combine to make a good gift great.

First of all, a great gift is motivated by our mission–that of making a difference in the lives of Southeast students through providing a top quality, affordable education.  Planned givers identify with our vision and mission and the gift reflects a sense of ownership and partnership. 

Secondly, a great gift is well planned, which requires time and effort. As the saying goes, anything worth doing is worth doing well.

Lastly, a great gift is one that convinces a donor that his or her gift will make a positive difference at Southeast. A sense of fulfillment prevails and crowns the gift with added value. The gift is made greater by the glow of satisfaction.

Since donor delight is right up there at the top of our list, we work hard to make it happen. So as you consider the possibility of including the Southeast Missouri University Foundation in your charitable gift planning, we’d like to suggest four steps to help you make a fulfilling planned gift.

Consider what you would like to accomplish with your gift. What is your purpose, your motivations and your expectations?

Ponder

Review your assets, especially those that have appreciated in value. What can you afford to give without jeopardizing retirement and emergency needs? Consider your family and other obligations. Do you need lifetime income from your gift? Do you need tax relief? Do you want to create a legacy through an endowment fund?

Mull all of this over in your mind and jot down key thoughts. Good planning begins with unhurried reflection, creative thinking and goal-setting.

Learn

The second step is to gather information and advice. Contact the Southeast Missouri University Foundation and request literature. Better yet, invite one of our development officers to visit you. Share your ponderings and let us outline a gift arrangement that helps you meet your objectives. 

Once you have acquired an understanding of the gift vehicle and have satisfied yourself that it fits your plans, seek the counsel of a trusted advisor. This is especially important with sizable gifts and complex arrangements.

When you have obtained the information you need and feel comfortable with a decision to proceed, move to the next step and . . . 

Act

Following through to actually make a planned gift can be the hardest part of the process, especially when the gift is irrevocable.  Whatever your situation, the action step will come easier if you have taken the time to ponder carefully your objectives and have acquired sufficient knowledge to know that the gift arrangement is good. The act of giving a well-planned gift can be exhilarating!

Notify

Once you complete your planned gift, contact Southeast Missouri University Foundation and let us know. Of course, we are often included in the process and know when the gift occurs. At other times–such as bequests–we are not aware a gift has been made unless we are told.

Gift notification permits us to respond to you with appropriate recognition and include you in our Horizon Club. Also, by letting us know you have made a planned gift, we can review your wishes and assure you that the gift can and will be utilized as you desire. A further reason is the positive example you will have on others who may be considering a planned gift to Southeast.

Would you like to make a planned gift to help Southeast students? We encourage you to ponder the possibilities. Learn all you can from us and your trusted advisors. Armed with sufficient information and a sense of rightness, make your gift confidently and joyfully. And then, if we don’t already know, tell us the good news. Let us honor you for your generosity, foresight and encouragement.

To receive more information on gift and estate planning, contact our director of planned giving, Trudy Lee, at (573) 651-5935 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange a visit. You can also obtain planned giving information at our Web site at www.semofoundation.org.