The Summit

In 2008, as an effort to increase unrestricted funding for the campaign, the Foundation created a society for dedicated Brothers to help us reach "The Summit" we are striving for. "The Summit" group is our most honored giving society. Those Brothers helping us to reach "The Summit" have truly stepped forward to promulgate the educational mission of Sigma Nu. To reach "The Summit" group, we ask Brothers to consider an unrestricted tax-deductible contribution in any of the following ways:

  • One-time cash gifts of $25,000 or more
  • Multi-year pledges of $50,000 or more
  • Appreciated assets such as marketable securities and real estate of $25,000 or more
  • Charitable bequests—as a percentage of the donor's overall estate or a fixed dollar amount of $100,000 or more
  • Charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust—both of which can help donors avoid capital gains tax, receive lifetime income and also receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction of $50,000 or more
  • Gifts of life insurance of $50,000 or more

The Summit member's contributions will not only bridge the gap between the funds available today and the receipt of the 'Building Upon the Rock' campaign as those donations are received over the coming years, but they will provide the margin of excellence now and in future years for Sigma Nu to best serve its collegiate members.
As a member of "The Summit" group, you would be honored for your gift as follows:

  • Honored at Grand Chapter with a special Sigma Nu Blazer
  • Special dinner at the 2012 Grand Chapter for our most honored contributors
  • Recognition in The Delta as part of the Foundation's Annual Report.
  • Invitation for you and your family to attend the 2011 College of Chapters and Annual Foundation Board meeting in Lexington, Virginia.

The Creed of our Fraternity calls for each of us "to serve in the Light of Truth."The Summit campaign is the opportunity for chosen Sigma Nu brothers to participate in doing just that...serving Sigma Nu and the men who follow in your footsteps. Won't you help your Brothers reach the Summit?

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 Sigma Nu Educational Foundation 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

 Bequest Language

"I give, devise and bequeath (the sum of/percentage of/residue of my estate) to the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation with principal offices in Lexington, Virginia, to be utilized for the general benefits of the Sigma Nu Foundation, Inc. (for specified program of the Foundation)."

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 Sigma Nu 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 Sigma Nu 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 Sigma Nu 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 Sigma Nu where you agree to make a gift to Sigma Nu 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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