As the year draws to a close, there’s a familiar pause many of us feel. The calendar slows, the days shorten, and reflection naturally sets in. It’s a time when gratitude rises to the surface for family, for community, and for the moments that shaped us. And often, it’s also the moment we begin to ask ourselves how we might give something back.
If you’re feeling called to make a gift now, there are two simple ways to do so:
- Make an online gift at www.albright.edu/give, using a secure credit card form, or
- Mail a check payable to Albright College to the address listed below.
However you choose to give, your generosity meets this moment with meaning and helps ensure Albright students continue to thrive.
Let’s take a moment to go over a couple of different options to explore while you are considering how to provide your gift. Each option has the potential to make a lasting difference for Albright students.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
If you already have a donor-advised fund, this can be one of the easiest ways to make a year-end gift. DAFs allow you to recommend a grant to Albright from funds you’ve already set aside for charitable giving. With more than $250 billion currently held in donor-advised funds nationwide, there is a tremendous opportunity to put that generosity to work.
If a DAF is part of your giving plan, consider recommending a grant to Albright before the end of the year.
Gifts of Stock
Many donors choose to give appreciated stock because it can be both impactful and tax-smart. A gift of stock often allows you to support Albright more generously while potentially avoiding capital gains taxes.
If you’d like to make a stock gift, your financial advisor can help initiate the transfer using the following information:
- Account name: Albright College
- Schwab account number: 3401-0012
- Schwab DTC number: 0164 (Code 40)
Once the transfer is underway, we kindly ask that you let us know. Reaching out allows us to properly acknowledge your gift and provide your tax documentation without delay.
Bequests
A bequest is a meaningful way to support Albright beyond your lifetime. By including the College in your will or estate plans, you help ensure that future generations of students will have access to the same opportunities that shaped your own Albright experience. If you’re updating your estate plans, consider talking with your advisor about including Albright College.
QCDs
For individuals age 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution offers a simple, tax-efficient way to give. A QCD allows you to make a gift directly from your IRA to Albright and may also count toward your required minimum distribution.
If this option applies to you, your IRA administrator can help you complete a QCD before year-end.
Gifts by Check
Checks should be made payable to Albright College and mailed to:
Albright College
Attn: Advancement Office
13th & Bern Street
P.O. Box 15234
Reading, PA 19612
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, or simply want to talk it through, I’m always happy to help. These conversations matter, and they’re one of my favorite parts of this work. For more information or questions, please email me directly at jhoward@albright.edu.
With immense gratitude,
