DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Welcome to the Development Office website. Our development officers can help you determine where your interests and the needs of the college may intersect in ways that will be mutually beneficial.

CARES ACT

Tax Incentives for Giving
As part of the stimulus package signed into law at the end of 2020, two key provisions of the CARES Act were extended into the new year (and, in one case, increased). Here are the two provisions that take effect in 2021.

Expansion of the universal charitable deduction for cash gifts

The universal charitable deduction has not only been extended but given a well-deserved upgrade. The new deduction is $300 for single filers and $600 for married couples filing jointly.This is available to taxpayers who take the standard deduction. This tax incentive is available for cash gifts to qualified charities (but not to supporting organizations or donor advised funds).

Example: A taxpayer who takes the standard deduction and makes a $300 cash gift to a public charity in 2021 may claim the $300 deduction ($600 for married couples) in computing his or her adjusted gross income. The deduction is in addition to the taxpayer’s standard deduction. If you’re in a 20% tax bracket, for example, this will likely save you $60 on the tax you owe ($120 for married couples). So the actual cost of the $300 gift is only $240.

MAKE A GIFT TO WARTBURG

Extension of the cap on deductions for cash contributions

Contributions to public charities are generally limited to a percentage of a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI). The CARES Act lifted the cap on annual contributions for those who itemize, increasing it from 60% to 100% of AGI for 2021. Any excess contributions available can be carried over to the next five years. For corporations, the law raised the annual limit from 10% to 25% of taxable income.

This resource is for informational purposes only and is not meant as tax advice, please consult your financial advisor before making any donations. Contact the Development Office with any questions at development@wartburg.edu or 319-352-8495.

GIVING TOPICS

Annual Fund

Gifts to the Wartburg Annual Fund provide the margin of excellence that Wartburg has become known for. Like a tuition dollar, gifts to the Annual Fund are undesignated and allow flexibility in the budgeting process while enhancing all aspects of college operations. The Annual Fund plays a hand in everything from scholarships, to technology, to the many clubs and organizations that provide opportunities for students to grow as a whole person, both personally and academically.

Endowed Funds

Endowed funds help create and sustain distinctive teaching and learning activities in a variety of areas across Wartburg’s campus, supporting students, faculty, and extracurricular activities. Endowed funds are administered by the college in accordance with applicable laws and guidelines set forth by the Board of Regents.

ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS & CHAIRS

KNIGHTS LEGACY CIRCLE

Donor-Advised Funds

Wartburg has created the option for donors to utilize a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to simplify charitable donations to Wartburg College. With a Wartburg DAF, half of the funds in the account must be directed to Wartburg College, and the other half can be directed to your other favorite charities.

More Information: Jay Boeding, senior gift planner, at (319) 352-8650 or jay.boeding@wartburg.edu

Is this fund right for me?
This is an increasingly popular vehicle for giving that allows you to simplify your charitable donations, support nonprofits you’re most passionate about, and give anonymously if you wish. You can contribute cash, stocks, mutual funds, real estate, life insurance, and more. In addition to leaving a legacy at your favorite organizations, you can receive an immediate income tax deduction, organize your philanthropy, pass on your personal assets, avoid capital gains tax, build an endowment, and recommend grants to your favorite charities, including Wartburg College.

Take it from the Blobaums

“After consulting with our financial adviser, we determined this fund would be a good fit for us as well as a benefit for our alma mater. Wartburg’s development officers were gracious and knowledgeable in assisting us in this venture. The College is forward-thinking about the needs of its constituents. We hope others will consider the Wartburg College Donor-Advised Fund as a one-stop giving opportunity for charitable contributions.”— Harry ’66 and Elle ’66 Blobaum

Support Scholarships

Wartburg supports the concept of a socially, culturally, and economically diverse student body and provides financial aid to more than 98 percent of its students. Scholarships help Wartburg attract top students and make a Wartburg education feasible for students from all segments of society. Annually funded and endowed scholarships free up institutional funds for other critical needs and create a bond between donors and current students. Donors are invited to meet their recipients at an annual scholarship luncheon.

ANNUALLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

HONOR/MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

RECOGNITION SOCIETIES

Wartburg College values the financial investment offered by alumni, parents, and friends and is proud to recognize this support through its Presidents’ Round Table and three other distinct donor recognition societies: Tower Society, 1852 Founder’s Society, and Heritage Society.

Wartburg Tower Society

Drawing inspiration from the Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Germany, Wartburg Tower Society recognizes donors’ total annual giving during Wartburg’s fiscal year, June 1 through May 31. Members receive benefits throughout the year, along with special recognition during Homecoming/Family Weekend. Tower Society gifts help support the ongoing operations of designated areas of the college, while ensuring that Wartburg can continue to provide unique and enriching experiences for our students.

Foundation	$1,000-$2,499
Cornerstone	$2,500-$4,999
Terrace	$5,000-$9,999
Belfry	$10,000-$24,999
Pinnacle	$25,000 or above

The President's Round Table

Recognition in the President’s Round Table is based on donors’ cumulative giving. All current as well as irrevocable deferred gifts are included in a donor’s giving history. Round Table members are honored each year during Homecoming Weekend. In addition, a permanent display honoring all members is located in the Student Center.

Order of the Gate
Order of the Plume
Order of the Lance
Order of the Chalice
Order of the Knight
Order of the Castle

$50,000 or more
$100,000 or more
$250,000 or more
$500,000 or more
$1,000,000 or more
$2,500,000 or more

The Heritage Society

The Heritage Society was established in 1977 to thank and recognize alumni, parents, and friends who have included Wartburg College in their estate plans. We believe those who make provisions for future gifts to Wartburg hold a special place in the life of the college. They regard the college as a family member when placing Wartburg in their estate plans. For many Heritage Society members, a planned gift is a natural extension of their generosity to Wartburg during their lifetimes. Heritage Society members are recognized each year at the Homecoming Luncheon, when new members receive a framed watercolor print of Old Main.

You may qualify for membership in one or more of the following ways:

A gift in your will (name the college to receive a specific dollar amount or percentage).
Charitable Gift Annuity (minimum $10,000).
Charitable Annuity Trust or Remainder Trust.
Charitable Lead Trust.
IRA or Retirement Accounts (make gifts straight from your IRA or name the college as beneficiary).
Life Estate—gift your home or farmland and retain the right to use the property during your lifetime.
Life Insurance Policy—make the college owner or beneficiary.
Revocable Trust (living trust).

Please contact us for related information on these services we provide:

Personalized Gift Illustrations
Sample Bequest Language
Deferred Gift Commitment Form
Sample Endowment Agreement

Contact: Jay Boeding at (319) 352-8650

2023-24 HERITAGE SOCIETY MEMBERS

PLANNED GIVING GUIDE

Knights Fellowship

The Knights Fellowship recognizes donors who have given for three or more consecutive years, as well as those who support the College through monthly gifts. The goal of the Fellowship is to promote continuous giving to Wartburg. Donors who give continuously sustain the College and enable us to continue to provide students with the best education possible. We hope to encourage young alumni to create a habit of philanthropy and continuous giving, as well as recognize our faithful donors for continuing to give year after year.Three levels of Knights Fellowship:

Lasting Loyals – those who have given to the College for 20+ years
Knight Subscribers – those who set up an automatic recurring monthly gift
Knights of the Fortress – alumni who give every year since graduating and/or with 35+ years of giving

DIRECTORY OF ALLIED PROFESSIONALS

The following is a directory of allied professionals from across the country who have a Wartburg College connection as alumni, parents or friends. This directory is provided as a resource for fellow alumni, parents and friends of the college who are seeking estate planning and financial planning advice. These professionals are listed by geographic area to assist you in finding guidance from someone who lives in your area and who has a Wartburg connection. The planned giving staff at the college are willing and ready to work with you and your advisors in helping you reach your goals as you plan future gifts through your estate. We believe that charitable planning is a process that ideally involves the donor, professional advisors and our gift planning staff—all working together to arrange the best gift possible. Please note that inclusion on this list is for informational purposes only and does not represent an endorsement by Wartburg College of any individual or company.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ALLIED PROFESSIONALS DIRECTORY >>