Types of Gifts

There are numerous ways to support the Institute.

Below are just a few opportunities that are available to you. For further information about gifts and giving, or to receive information about planned giving, please contact Lisa Latrovato, Donor Relations Manager at llatrovato@hwi.buffalo.edu.

The cures begin here with your support and partnership.

  • Memorials
    These gifts are made to remember a loved one, family member, or friend.
  • Gifts of Honor
    These gifts are given to salute and celebrate the accomplishments of others and can range from birthdays and anniversarys to graduations and new job positions.
  • Annual Gifts
    These gifts are normally in response to a mail solicitation and are contributions for the current, unrestricted use of the Institute to help defray the operating costs and to support our research programs. In essence, these annual contributions help to insure the day-to-day operation of HWI.
  • Matching Gifts
    Some organizations encourage charitable giving by matching employee contributions. Check with your employer to see if they will match your gift to HWI.
  • Gifts of Appreciated Securities
    This is a tax wise way to support the Institute. When making a gift of appreciated stocks, bonds, and stock options, the donor pays no tax on the capital gains.
  • Gifts of Real Estate
    Real estate may be contributed as an outright gift or to finance a planned gift.
  • Gift of Personal Property
    These gifts can include works of art, manuscripts, rare books, antique furnishings, jewelry and other personal items.\
  • Planned Gifts
    Planned gifts allow you to make a significant gift while maintaining financial security for you and your family. Bequests, retirement plan designations, gifts of life insurance, gift annuities, and charitable trusts are just a few types of planned gifts. These gifts often provide attractive tax advantages and other financial benefits.
  • Bequests
    For many, this is the most significant gift that can be made. A bequest removes assets from the donor’s estate and reduces federal taxes.
  • Retirement Plan Gifts
    A donor can make a deferred gift by naming the Institute beneficiary of his or her retirement plan.
  • Life Insurance Gifts
    A donor can name the Institute as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy.
  • Gift Annuities
    A gift annuity is both a charitable contribution and an investment. The annuity provides guaranteed fixed income for the donor’s lifetime and/or for the lifetime of another beneficiary.
  • Charitable Remainder Trusts
    A charitable remainder trust generates income for the donor that is fixed or that fluctuates with market conditions and the growth of the trust. Income may continue through the donor’s lifetime or for a set term and benefit a charity upon death.
  • Charitable Lead Trusts
    A charitable lead trust is for a donor who would like to give to the Institute but also wants to pass assets on to family members. The Institute receives income interest for a period of years or for a period of someone’s lifetime, after that time the trust reverts to the donor or the donor’s beneficiaries.
  • Endowments
    Once established, and endowed fund is a dependable and perpetual source of support, since the principal is invested and only a portion of the earnings is spent annually. A minimum gift of $25,000 is needed to establish and unrestricted endowment, while $40,000 is needed for a restricted endowment.
    Funds that will produce income to the Institute in perpetuity and named by the donor and directed to support a particular intention of the donor. Funds are invested and the interest derived from the fund is used for the purpose outlined by the donor. Endowed funds can be created in many forms and also may be established with a bequest or other planned giving instrument. Endowed Funds can be used to establish a Chair that will enable HWI to recruit the very best scientist who will have discretionary income to support their efforts from the chair they hold.