Frequently Asked Questions

• What services does the Office of Gift Planning provide?
  

  The Office of Gift Planning is composed of a full-service team of professionals dedicated to providing information about financial and estate planning within a charitable giving context. We are a free service available to all members of the Johns Hopkins community.

  With expertise in real estate, life insurance, financial planning, legal issues, and trust and estate management, we can provide information on effective charitable planning options to help you achieve optimum tax and financial results.

  Gift planning is a highly individualized process that should be governed by your philanthropic and financial priorities. We stand ready with information for you and your advisors regarding retirement, estate, and tax-planning issues as they relate to charitable giving. We often assist people contemplating:

  • What will my legacy be?
    
    
  • How has Johns Hopkins made a difference in my life?

  Kaspick and Company assists us with the management and administration of our internally administered life-income gifts. The total market value of Johns Hopkins' gift-planning program is approximately $113 million.

  For more information about gift planning at Johns Hopkins, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at (800) 548-1268.

  
  
  

• Can I create income with my gift?
  
  Yes! Johns Hopkins has many plans for Gifts that Pay You Income. You can also provide income for a child, a grandchild, a parent, or a friend. That income can increase cash flow now and/or during retirement, pay for a college education, provide income for aging parents, or perhaps assist a loved one with special needs. You can also provide income to Johns Hopkins by using a Charitable Lead Trust.
  
  

• I am unable to make a current gift, but I'd still like to support Johns Hopkins in the future. Any ideas?
  
  An easy and low cost way to make a gift to Johns Hopkins is to include Johns Hopkins in your will or revocable trust. Gifts by Will are a major source of endowment support at Johns Hopkins. Each individual legacy contributes to our financial strength and ability to meet the needs of our students and their families. If you have not already done so, please consider putting Johns Hopkins in your will or revocable trust. See our Bequest Language page for samples of how to do this. You can also designate Johns Hopkins the beneficiary of Life insurance, annuities, or Retirement-Plan Benefits.
  
  

• What asset should I use to make my gift?
  
  While cash or a check is a simple way to make a gift, you might want to consider the following:
  
  

  GIFT TYPE	POSSIBLE BENEFITS
  Cash	Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  Appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  Transfer of residential, commercial, or undeveloped real estate	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income Relief from management
  Donate an interest in closely held or family business stock	Reduce the cost of passing the business to heirs Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income
  Give us tangible personal property like art, books, or collectibles	A charitable income-tax deduction
  Make Johns Hopkins the owner and beneficiary of life insurance or annuities	Income- and estate-tax savings

  
  
  

• Can I direct how Johns Hopkins will use my gift?
  
  Most often the answer to this is “yes”!! Many donors direct that their gifts be used to create scholarships, support specific departments, honor a favorite faculty member, or remember a loved one. Please be sure to discuss this when you make your gift.
  
  

• Why should I consider a gift to Johns Hopkins?
  
  Gifts are made for many different reasons. Often gifts are made

  • To express gratitude for the education you received
  • To honor a loved one or a professor who was important to your education
  • To ensure Johns Hopkins will remain a vibrant and strong place for today’s students and for future students
  • To help Johns Hopkins provide the very best in education to students, regardless of their finances
  • To ensure Johns Hopkins is able to continue to provide outstanding medical services and care
  • To help fund the extensive research programs conducted by Johns Hopkins experts