ECU launches new giving program for donors

East Carolina University, along with three other UNC System institutions, is now offering a new way for alumni and friends to enhance their philanthropy.
A partnership with TIAA Charitable will provide donors with a leading-edge, donor-advised fund program, which works like a personal fund dedicated to charitable giving. Instead of writing multiple checks to individual charities, donors put everything into one simple giving fund and can decide now, or later, which charities they want to support.
“Our donors are interested in donor-advised funds to help them fulfill their philanthropic goals,” said Timothy A. Minor, vice president for university advancement for the UNC System. “This system-wide offering allows each of our 17 individual institutions to offer its own version of the donor-advised fund. Each university has unique needs, and this is one more way to enhance giving opportunities for our supporters.”
Donors can direct contributions to the donor-advised fund in a wide range of investment options, including a suite of funds that explicitly incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria in their investment decision-making. All growth is tax-free, which may allow for larger gifts over time. In addition, all contributions may be eligible for an immediate tax benefit.
Currently, four UNC System universities are participating in this initiative, including ECU, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. The fund program is open to all of the UNC System institutions.
“Donor-advised funds are a great way to create a legacy through giving, because the fund can be shared with family members and the institution can be named a beneficiary,” said Christopher Dyba, vice president for university advancement.
“This new program offers a simple, flexible process for donors to advance their philanthropy. We are excited to provide our donors this gift option for all of our four ECU Foundations,” added Greg Abeyounis, senior associate vice chancellor for planned giving.
Donors who would like to learn more or make a contribution may contact Abeyounis by phone at 252-328-9573 or via email at abeyounisg@ecu.edu.
 
-Contact: Erin Shaw, University Communications, 252-737-1505