Capital Giving

Making a Difference, Building a Legacy

For many people, leading a successful life involves making a positive difference in the lives of others. Gettysburg College benefits greatly from the generous support of those who contribute time and talent to the College. But equally as important are the financial gifts that build a lasting legacy for current and future generations of Gettysburgians.  

Advancing Strategic Priorities

Capital gifts play a crucial role in advancing Gettysburg's strategic objectives and initiatives. They have a significant impact on Gettysburg programs and resources. They make a crucial difference, helping us strengthen or launch academic initiatives, create scholarships, build buildings, and undertake other projects that advance College priorities. 

They also stand as philanthropic landmarks for all donors, inspiring others to give generously.

Capital gifts generally have these attributes:

• They are outright gifts (as opposed to deferred or "planned" gifts, which are often made through a charitable trust, a gift annuity, or a donor's will). Donors may pay them over a period of time, generally up to five years.
• Depending on the donor's intent, they can be spent in their entirety or they can be endowed funds that continue to support the College over time.
• They can be unrestricted; or they can be earmarked for identified College needs that are of interest to the donor, such as student scholarships or endowed professorships.
• They may be of gifts of cash, publicly traded securities, closely held stock, real estate, or other property.
• They generally qualify for favorable tax treatment and can be a strategic tool in estate planning and wealth transfer.

Named Opportunities

Many gifts come with naming opportunities, which means that a College program, building, or resource may be named in honor of the donor or someone else the donor wishes to commemorate.

If you would like to discuss your legacy at Gettysburg College, please contact us at 800-238-5528.

The Office of Capital Giving assists a wide range of donors to make capital contributions to support the mission of the College. The office is divided into four primary areas:

• Major Gifts works with individuals who wish to make outright capital gifts to increase the endowment or to maintain the physical plant.
• Planned Giving serves those whose gifts are deferred (such as through a bequest by will) or in which the donor retains an income-interest.
• The Office of Corporate and Foundation Support secures grants from foundations and corporations.
• The Stewardship Office keeps donors informed of the ongoing work being done on campus through their endowed scholarships, awards, professorships, and other capital gifts.