Most Common Estate Gift Types

Wills & Trusts

Include a bequest to MSU in your will or trust. Your bequest may be unrestricted or support a specific purpose you choose. You may indicate specific amount or a percentage of the balance remaining in your estate or trust. With this option, your assets remain in your control during your lifetime.

Retirement Plans

Name Morehead State University as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or other qualified plan. You may designate us to receive all or a portion of the balance of your plan through your administrator. Through this method, you avoid the double taxation your retirement savings would face if you designate them to your heirs.

This option also allows you to continue to take regular lifetime withdrawals and have the flexibility to change beneficiaries if your family's needs change during your lifetime.

Stock & Appreciated Assets

Transfer appreciated stocks, bonds or mutual fund shares you have owned for one year or more to MSU. MSU sells your securities and uses the proceeds for its programs, while you receive an immediate income-tax deduction for the fair market value on the date of transfer.

You pay no capital gains tax on the transfer when the stock is sold.

Life Insurance

Transfer ownership of a paid-up life insurance policy to Morehead State. MSU may elect to cash in the policy now or hold it. In some cases, you may use the cash value of your policy to fund a life-income gift, such as a deferred gift annuity.

Real Estate

Deed your home, vacation home, undeveloped property or a commercial building to MSU. The University may use the property for its own purposes or will sell it and use the proceeds.

You receive an income tax deduction for the fair market value and pay no capital gains on the transfer. You may direct proceeds to support a specific program or area of interest at MSU.

Personal Property

Transfer a valuable painting, antiques or other personal property to MSU. MSU may hold or display the property or use it in the furtherance of its mission or sell it and use the proceeds.

You receive an immediate income tax deduction for the appraised value of your gift and pay no capital gains tax, so long as the gift can be used by MSU to carry out its mission.

Additional Information

For more information on making a gift in one of these formats, please call our office at 606-783-2033 or send an email to giving@moreheadstate.edu.

Visionary Spotlight

Wayne (68) and Brenda (68) Judy

"We decided long ago that Morehead is a very significant part of who we are. I never had anyone go to college before me and Brenda only had one cousin who had attended college, but did not complete a degree.

So, graduating from MSU is a significant part of us and our family history. We want to ensure we are a part of it for generations to come. Morehead State University will receive a significant part of our estate when we're not around anymore.

We are happy to be able to provide this support beyond our years."

– Wayne Judy