Ways to Give

We welcome regular giving from our faculty and staff through a payroll deduction. To initiate a recurring gift, please complete the online form.

Set Up a Payroll Deduction Gift

Many companies match gifts made by current employees, retirees, and spouses, and may help you double or even triple your gift to Edgewood University. Please contact Erin Boris at 608.663.2377 or eboris@edgewood.edu for help finding appropriate matching gift documentation. 

The College welcomes contributions in the form of goods or services. To ensure proper crediting and distribution of your gift, or if you have questions, please contact Erin Boris 608.663.2377 or eboris@edgewood.edu

If you are considering a gift of appreciated property, such as stocks or bonds, note these financial benefits: 

• You receive a tax deduction for the full, current fair market value of the donated property. 
• There may be capital gains tax incentives for you by making a gift of stock. 

Please contact Katie Vesperman at 608.663.3224 or KVesperman@edgewood.edu

The IRA Charitable Rollover is a simple method of charitable giving that allows benefactors to direct gifts from their IRA directly to a qualified charity, like Edgewood University. For more information on qualified charitable distributions, please contact Jen Stewart at 608.663.6813 or at jstewart@edgewood.edu.  

7 Things You Need to Know

Changes to the tax code beginning January 1, 2026, could affect how—and when—you choose to give to Edgewood University.

What’s new:

1. Tax benefit for non-itemizers
   Even if you don’t itemize, you can deduct up to $1,000 (single filers) or $2,000 (married couples). So even smaller donations can make an impact. Note: Gifts to donor advised funds are excluded.
2. New floor for itemizers
   You will need to give at least 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) to claim a charitable deduction. Consider maximizing your giving in 2025 before the new rule takes effect.
3. New limit for top earners
   Currently, top earners get a 37-cent tax benefit for every $1 deducted. Starting in 2026, that drops to 35 cents. If you are in the top tax bracket, consider giving more this year to avoid losing tax benefits next year.

What stays:

1. Income tax brackets
   The new law permanently extends the current tax rates.
2. Standard deduction
   The current deduction will remain high. In 2026, it will be $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. If you don’t itemize, you may still benefit if you give appreciated stock, real estate or, if you are 70½ or older, from your IRA.
3. Deduction limit for cash gifts
   You can still deduct cash gifts of up to 60% of your AGI. Consider combining your cash and non-cash assets (often called blended giving) to maximize your tax benefits and impact.
4. Estate and gift tax exemption
   This exemption will remain high but adjust for inflation in 2026 to $15 million per individual and $30 million per married couple filing jointly. For those with estates under this amount, it’s wise to focus on current giving to receive tax benefits.

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. Edgewood University recommends that you consult your legal counsel and/or financial advisors before making a gift. They will consider your personal financial circumstances to help you receive maximum benefits from existing tax laws.

Your planned gift creates a personal legacy by helping to ensure future generations of lifelong learners at Edgewood University. There are several Planned Gift options available: 

• Bequest in a Will or Living Trust 
• Naming Edgewood University as beneficiary in a life insurance policy, IRA, 401k, checking or savings account 
• Creating a Charitable Gift Annuity 
• Stock or Real Estate 

Please contact Jen Stewart 608.663.6813 or at jstewart@edgewood.edu for more information about how planned gifts can support our work.  

A donor-advised fund is like a charitable investment account, for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. Contact the administrator of your donor-advised fund to make a gift to Edgewood University (EIN: 39-0806202) or contact Jen Stewart 608.663.6813 or at jstewart@edgewood.edu.