The number one reason people provide financial support to Franciscan University is they believe in what we do and want to help us fulfill our mission—educating the next generation of faithful Catholic leaders according to the mind and heart of the Church.

When you include Franciscan University in your estate, you declare to your family and friends that you believe in and care about our mission. Your planned gift becomes a clear declaration of your Christian faith. It also is a direct investment in the future of those who will dedicate their lives to serving the Church and building a culture of life in the world

The best way to achieve your goals is to contact Franciscan University and begin a conversation with us. The possibilities and means used to make a gift are best considered in a dialogue that helps you to decide what you really want and lets you know what your options are for making that happen.

Once you’ve decided this, the next step may be visiting a trustworthy attorney or accountant to receive their input. It is important to have professional advice from someone who knows your finances, assets, and income; possesses expertise in the area of taxes and/or estate planning; and has a legal responsibility to look out for your best interests. Franciscan University’s Gift Planning Office can be in contact with you and your professional advisor to assist in the process of planning and completing your gift.

Sometimes a gift to Franciscan University requires a good bit of conversation. A donor may face questions and concerns about how to do this. These conversations are confidential.

To help with the gift-planning process, Franciscan University provides a planned giving director who is available to assist you. What can you expect from him?

• He will honor your confidences, respect your privacy, and follow your wishes.
• He will provide information about gift opportunities available to you based on your preferences. He can also provide tailor-made illustrations showing how you’ll benefit from a particular planned gift.
• He will be in touch with your advisors if and when you desire it. He’ll be able to discuss and explain the gift with your advisors, as well as give them any required information they need about Franciscan University. This can save time and expense.
• Once your gift is made, he will maintain contact with you to ensure you are informed about the results of your gift. He will keep you in touch with Franciscan University.
• There also are some things he will not do. Namely, he will not pressure you to make a gift to Franciscan University. Nor will he attempt to be your legal or financial counselor. In fact, he will urge you to get advice from your own attorney or accountant before you make your gift.