Year-end Giving Tips from Our Planned Giving Office
As the year comes to a close, many alumni seek meaningful and tax-smart ways to support McMurry’s mission. Below are several giving options and important deadlines to help ensure your gift has a lasting impact this year. Learn more about giving options at mcm.edu/giving
1) Make a gift from your IRA (Qualified Charitable Distribution)
If you are 70½ or older, you can direct a gift from your IRA to McMurry. An IRA QCD may count toward your required minimum distribution and is typically excluded from taxable income. To qualify, your IRA custodian must transfer the funds directly to McMurry. Visit our IRA Charitable Rollover tool to learn more or to initiate your gift.
2) Give appreciated stock
Donating long-term appreciated securities may allow you to avoid capital gains tax and claim a charitable deduction, while maximizing your impact. Your broker will need McMurry’s DTC and account details. Stock transfers can take several days, so it’s best to start early. View our stock gift transfer instructions for DTC and account details.
3) Recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund
If you have a DAF, you can recommend a year-end grant to McMurry. Consider setting your DAF to make recurring quarterly or annual grants that align with your philanthropic goals. Please notify us of your gift or initiate it directly through our Donor-Advised Fund tool.
4) Double your impact with employer matching gifts
Thousands of employers match charitable gifts by employees, retirees, and even spouses. Check your company’s portal and submit your match before their year-end deadline.
5) Consider non-cash assets
Beyond publicly traded stock, some donors choose to give interests in privately held stock, business ownership, or mineral interests. These gifts can provide significant tax advantages and lasting impact, but may require additional lead time and due diligence. Our team can work with you and your advisors to explore the best approach for completing a non-cash gift that meets your goals. To learn more about these and other types of gifts, visit our What to Give page.
6) Plan a legacy gift
A bequest in your will or trust, or adding McMurry as a beneficiary of your IRA, retirement plan, or life insurance policy, can create a lasting legacy without affecting your current cash flow. Learn more about estate and legacy gifts at our Planned Giving website. If you have already included McMurry in your plans, please let us know by completing our brief Legacy Society form so we can thank you and welcome you to the 1923 Legacy Society.
Year-End Checklist & Key Dates
- Mail: Gifts sent by U.S. mail must be postmarked by December 31 to count for the 2025 tax year.
- Online/credit card: Complete your online gift by 11:59 p.m. (your local time) on December 31. Make your secure online gift now at our online giving form.
- Stock/securities: Initiate transfers as early as possible. Many brokers have cutoff dates in mid-to-late December and may close early on December 31. View our stock gift transfer instructions for DTC and account details.
- Mutual funds: These transfers can take longer than individual stocks. Start well before mid-December.
- Wire/ACH: Your bank may have same-day cutoff times. Confirm details in advance.
- DAF grants: Submit recommendations by mid-December to allow the sponsoring organization sufficient time to process them. You can notify us of your gift or initiate it directly through our Donor-Advised Fund tool.
Resources & Assistance
You can find additional information, sample language, and forms throughout our Giving website. If you’d like personal assistance or have a question about completing your gift, we’re always happy to help.
We’re here to help
Whether you have questions about year-end deadlines, how to make a specific type of gift, or how to document a legacy intention, we’re happy to assist. Our office can work closely with you and your advisors to ensure your gift is completed smoothly and aligns with your philanthropic objectives.
Contact:
Frances Arias ’07
Director of Major & Planned Giving
McMurry University | Division of Institutional Advancement
arias.frances@mcm.edu | (325) 793-4980
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of writing. It is not offering professional tax, legal, or accounting advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.