Changing Tomorrow

Throughout our lives, each of us tends to collect homes, property, personal belongings, and investments. Most leave these things to our children in our wills. It is also possible to specify a gift to a particular organization or cause for which we feel strongly. In that way, we can ensure that the charitable work we most deeply believe in will continue long after we are gone. And we can make gifts of a size that may not be possible during our lifetimes.

Friends of Halifax Community College who have chosen to remember HCC in their wills become a part of a very select group ? a group known as The Friends of HCC. Whether through creating endowed scholarships, contributing to a capital project on campus, or benefitting a particular program through a donation, their estate gifts have given them the ability to leave a lasting legacy for the generations of HCC students to come. They have done this by naming HCC in their wills.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Leaving a Gift

Do I have to include my wish to leave a gift to HCC in my will?

To be certain that the charity of your choice receives the gift you intend, you should state your intention in your will. Without a will, you lose control over your belongings after death. Your property and finances are settled according to state laws, whether or not they coincide with family wishes.

Must I have an estate in order to leave a gift?

An estate is simply a word used to describe any property, money, or personal belongings that you may have at the time of your death. Most people leave an estate when they die, even though they may not have a great deal of wealth. Anyone can arrange to leave a charitable gift from their estate when they pass away.

How do I leave a gift for HCC?

You can arrange for a gift in several ways, the most common being through a will. Many people set aside a certain dollar amount designated to the HCC Foundation. After their families have been provided for, others leave a percentage of their estate, or any assets left over. Some people give something they won such as car or their home. Others leave a paid-up life insurance policy or other financial investment.

Who can help me arrange for a gift?

If you have professionals with whom you are working, like a financial planner, lawyer, accountant, or insurance agent, please talk with them about leaving a gift. If you do not have a relationship with a professional, you?ll find referral phone numbers on the back of this brochure. A professional can tell you about the tax benefits of planned gifts. You can also call Tom Schwartz or Sherry Agee in the HCC Foundation office for help.

How do I leave a gift in memory of a person or for a specified purpose?

A gift is a wonderful way to recognize someone who has made a difference in your life. You may also want to give to a specific program like nursing or the automotive program, or to a new building. This kind of memorial gift can be arranged in your will, the same way that you would leave a personal gift from your estate. You just need to make it clear that the gift is given in memory of a particular person or for a specific use.

Do I tell the HCC Foundation that I?ve left the gift?

This is up to you. The Foundation likes to know in advance so that we can recognize your generosity. We can also tell you about specific opportunities for giving. Whether you let us know of your plans or not, it is your decision to make.

Getting Started

If remembering HCC in your will is of interest to you, take the next step. Think about how you would like to support the College. Maybe you or someone you know has been helped by a particular program or aspect of HCC. Or, perhaps you simply want to make a general gift for the College to use where its needs are most pressing. Simply give instructions to your attorney to list the Halifax Community College Foundation as one of the beneficiaries in your will. You can be as specific or as general as you would like in guiding the College in how to use your gift. You might want to leave the gift in memory of a loved one. This is a wonderful way to pay tribute to a person who has touched your life in an extraordinary way.

If you need more help or you need to know more about HCC and its programs, contact Tom Schwartz or Sherry Agee in the HCC Foundation Office, at 252.536.7234. Or you can email them at schwartzt@halifaxcc.edu or agees@halifaxcc.edu. They will be happy to assist you as you determine the best way to leave a gift for tomorrow.

Then, contact your professional advisor for help. Your advisor can make sure you are getting the maximum tax and legal advantages allowed for your gift.
 

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