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Creating a Legacy of Support for the Future

Janice Franklin smiling

Janice Franklin was inspired to create a legacy of support for the future while looking for ways to spread the gospel.

Sometimes finding a connection happens later in life. That is Janice Franklin's story. Franklin did not attend Freed-Hardeman University, nor did any of her family members. She did not attend a Church of Christ service until March 2003, but now she is a steadfast donor to Freed-Hardeman University, a private Christian school associated with the Church of Christ.

Despite those differences, Franklin's love for Freed-Hardeman was strong enough in 2015 to establish the Janice C. Franklin Endowed Scholarship for Bible majors. Franklin wanted to support future generations and placed provisions in her trust for FHU to be a recipient upon her death. She also began a charitable gift annuity in 2016.

"I was impressed with the church's scriptural basis and simplicity," Franklin recalled. "I continued to study and look for ways to spread the gospel, and one of the things I wanted to do was spread encouragement to young people so they remain faithful to God's word."

Janice Franklin on a golf cart

Janice Franklin's gift to FHU will ensure her support for our students and her desire to spread the gospel continue for years to come.

Anyone can leave a legacy that reflects their interests and eases the financial responsibility for FHU students to pursue their gifts and talents. Franklin lives in Bolivar, Missouri, which is nearly 400 miles away from Henderson. "I hope to plan a visit soon," she said. In Bolivar, you can find her enjoying retirement on her small farm.

"I receive so much joy in seeing the good that these means provide the students as well as the friendships and relationships I have with wonderful people at the university," Franklin said.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. If you would like to learn more about becoming part of this mission, contact Kyle Lamb, CFP® at 1-800-348-3481, ext. 6020 or klamb@fhu.edu.

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Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Freed-Hardeman University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I give to Freed-Hardeman University, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 158 E. Main Street, Henderson, TN 38340, or its successor thereto, ______________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to FHU or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to FHU as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to FHU as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and FHU where you agree to make a gift to FHU and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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