Staff members are available in the Shepherd University Foundation office to assist donors as they consider making gifts. Questions from potential and current donors are answered promptly and information is freely provided without expectations.
Contact Sherri Janelle
CASH GIFTS
Cash is often the most convenient form of giving. Donors may make a gift online via credit card, or download and mail a gift form directly to:
Shepherd University Foundation
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown, WV 25443-5000
Please make checks payable to the Shepherd University Foundation.
Contact Meg Patterson
GIFTS OF SECURITIES
Gifts of appreciated securities held longer than one year may be made as outright new gifts or as a payment on a pledge. All federal capital gains taxes are eliminated. Donors may even receive tax benefits by utilizing depreciated stock by selling and then donating the proceeds. Stock may be reassigned directly to the Shepherd University Foundation or may be transferred through the donor’s broker. The average of the high and low market values on the date of the transfer will determine the value of the gift for tax purposes. It is best to consult with the Shepherd University Foundation before a transaction is made.
Contact Sherri Janelle
REAL ESTATE AND OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY GIFTS
Gifts of real estate and other personal property may be donated through the Shepherd University Foundation for the benefit of Shepherd University.
Contact Sherri Janelle
MATCHING GIFTS
Many companies provide matching gift programs that multiply their employees’ charitable donations. If you or your spouse are employed by a matching gift company, your contribution to the Shepherd University Foundation could be significantly increased. Matching gifts are designated to the same fund as the donor’s original gift. Gifts matched by an employer count toward the achievement of giving levels for the donor.
To obtain a matching gift from your employer, contact your human resources department. Complete the donor/employee part of the form and send it with your contribution to the Shepherd University Foundation. We will complete the Foundation’s portion of the form and return it to the company to initiate their fulfillment of the match. You may also see if your donation qualifies for a matching gift by clicking the button below.
Contact Meg Patterson
GIFTS IN KIND
Alternatives to monetary gifts such as equipment or books are always appreciated.
Contact Kristi Veach-Ross
HONORARY AND MEMORIAL GIFTS
Honorary and memorial gifts recognize others through gifts made to Shepherd University. Gifts made in memory or in honor of a family member, teacher, student or friend are generous and thoughtful ways to remember a person’s life and his or her accomplishments. When an honorary or memorial gift is made at the Shepherd University Foundation, we notify the honoree or his or her next of kin. We administer the honorary or memorial gift as the donor specifies. Any form of gift, such as one made through the transfer of stocks or through an outright cash donation, may be given in honor or memory of someone.
Contact Meg Patterson
Memorial Gifts in Lieu of Flowers
Many people choose to offer the opportunity to make a gift to a chosen organization or scholarship fund in lieu of flowers for a deceased loved one. The Foundation will be happy to assist with information on existing fund information or language for printed materials.
Contact Sherri Janelle
PLANNED GIFTS
In certain instances, it may be preferable from an estate, financial, and tax planning perspective to consider long-term gift planning as the best way to make a gift. This may be accomplished through various gift instruments, such as bequests, beneficiary assignments, gift annuities and charitable trusts. Donors who let us know they have chosen to invest in the future of Shepherd University are eligible to join the Joseph P. McMurran Society.
FreeWill, a secure online estate planning tool, can help you create your will for free. You can also access FreeWill’s Beneficiaries Tool and Gift Intent Form.