Because we take very seriously our responsibility of a generous benefactor’s financial investment in our Institute’s mission, we have created the following question and answer series that we hope is helpful to you as you weigh the benefits and advantages of giving to this Institute.
Why give to UC Irvine’s GERI ?
Philanthropic gifts play a major and targeted role in generating future scientific and medical advancements at the Genetic Epidemiology Research Institute (GERI). Private gifts are especially important because they can be used many times to provide “seed funding” for new research or otherwise leveraged with matching funds in order to maximize their full impact. These gifts frequently serve to attract major support from other funding organizations or individuals, too.
How will my gifts be invested?
Our long-term endowment gifts are invested with the UC Irvine Foundation who carefully manage university gifts to realize maximum returns and assure safety. More short-range gifts are also utilized for our important research needs and carefully stewarded. Your gift helps us explore the emerging and very promising area of research that studies both the genetic and environmental contributions to human diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and pulmonary diseases. Your gift represents a unique investment in our future generation’s battles against these deadly diseases.
What will my gifts be used for?
We believe in an open dialogue with our supporters to have them share their reasons for investing in our institute. These conversations help us to fully understand and appreciate what the wishes and goals of our benefactors are. One of the major objectives of UC Irvine and the Genetic Epidemiology Research Institute is to recruit the best and the brightest scientists and clinicians to participate in our Institute. In seeking out these “best and the brightest” scientists, they in turn bring a wealth of talent, intellect and skill to the GERI research group which then attracts other new funding—both federal, state and private—that is crucial in supporting their hard work. Many times, even a small “seed funding” grant from GERI for one of our researchers will allow them to do preliminary research on a promising new scientific idea or approach that does not yet qualify for an external funding grant owing to a lack of initial data. While it is true that major research universities like UC Irvine provide funds for faculty salaries and initial laboratory set-up, our gifted scientists must ultimately conduct research in laboratories that are self-sustaining long-term.
What types of gifts are accepted?
Outright gifts may be made, payable to the UC Irvine GERI. Additionally, related pledges may be paid over a three-year period via a flexible and tailored giving plan. Outright gifts include cash, credit cards, and gifts of stock or other readily marketable assets. Real estate may be given, but special care is exercised by the university in valuing real estate and other “hard to value” assets. You should give special consideration to gifts of appreciated securities and real estate since gifts of appreciated property are not subject to capital gains taxes and are therefore among the most beneficial gift assets for our donors to use. Gifts of cash, including credit card gifts, may be used as charitable income tax deductions to offset up to 50 percent of a donor’s income. Charitable income tax deductions for gifts of appreciated property are limited to 30 percent of a donor’s income. In both cases, however, the donor may “carry forward” any unused deduction for an additional five tax years. Thus, a donor may make a very significant gift which requires payments to be spread out over a number of years, thereby extending the carry forward period accordingly. To maximize the charitable tax deductions available to you by you’re your accountant or the UC Irvine Legacy Planning is always available to assist you in determining the optimal gift plan tailored to your wishes.
Contact:
For further information or assistance with GERI giving programs, please e-mail DeWayne Green or call 949.824.7809.
