Planned Giving

James Ellis Griffeth '64 and Elizabeth Thompson

Gift of Retirement Assets

How did you learn about the benefits of giving through your required minimum distribution?
Lisa De Freitas ’88, director of gift planning at Wofford, provided us with details about the benefits and process of giving to Wofford through our RMD. Our financial advisor and tax preparer also informed us of the benefits of making charitable contributions via RMD.

How did you decide that this form of giving was right for you?
We think that the increased standard deduction will be our choice going forward. RMDs are required and taxed but provide a deduction for charitable gifts made directly from the RMD. This method is especially advantageous in that it offers a tax deduction for charitable giving while taking the standard deduction. Another benefit of this method is that the organizations we support — such as Wofford — receive a lump sum gift from us early in the gift year. 

Why have you given so loyally to Wofford over the years?
I feel much gratitude for the educational opportunity Wofford offered when I was an undergraduate. Elizabeth and I enjoy staying connected to the Wofford community and are proud of how Wofford has grown and what it is becoming.

Click here to learn more about gifts of retirement assets.