With planned giving, you can provide long-lasting support for Wittenberg University while enjoying financial benefits for yourself.
You may be looking for a way to make a significant gift to help further our mission. A bequest is a gift made through your will or trust. It is one of the most popular and flexible ways that you can support our cause.
For 30 years, A. Gilbert "Gil" Belles inspired students with his love of learning and life as a professor at Western Illinois University prior to retiring in 1996. A history expert, Belles earned several awards for his passionate teaching, but his passion didn't end at the classroom door. A longtime, active community leader as well, Gil has served as coach and volunteer at his town's library, hospital and the historical society.
With every new endeavor pursued, Gil has never forgotten those who paved the path for him or the importance of philanthropy in one's life. The son of a pastor, Gil witnessed firsthand the willingness of his parents, both of whom graduated from Wittenberg, to share their time, talent and limited treasure with others.
Today, Gil's generosity stretches across Wittenberg, from consistent support of The Wittenberg Fund and several campus initiatives to the Belles Family Scholarship and remembering Wittenberg in his estate.
"Wittenberg has given me so much, and now it's my turn to help the students and the institution," Gil says. "My parents used to say, 'when you have an opportunity, give back in a way that makes people happy.' Everything I've done for Wittenberg is all part of what I consider giving back."
A charitable gift annuity is a great way you can make a gift to our organization and benefit. You transfer your cash or property to our organization and we promise to make fixed payments to you for life at a rate based on your age.
An IRA rollover allows people age 70½ and older to reduce their taxable income by making a gift directly from their IRA.
