More than $4 million has been committed to the College of Family and Consumer Sciences as part of the “100 Legacies in the Making” planned giving campaign.
The two-year campaign-the first of its kind conducted at UGA-ended March 31, with 106 individuals having included FACS in their estate plans, according to Katrina Bowers, FACS director of development.
“The campaign increased awareness of giving to our college on so many levels,” Bowers said. “This was the first significant gift many of our legacies made to FACS since they’ve gone through the process of deciding how they want their planned gift designated. Many have gotten excited and want to do something more. Many doors have opened.”
Donors, FACS alumni ranging in age from 25-96, include Renita and Rob Anderson, two of the youngest donors.
“It is never too early to make an estate plan,” Renita Anderson said. “I am excited to think about how students in need could benefit from our gifts.”
Professor Emeritus Bill Flatt was also among those making planned gifts.
“I began to think about how could help others, and I realized a planned gift is an easy way to contribute to my favorite cause, which is FACS,” said Flatt, who has established endowments in the college. “It will only help to strengthen the programs that I feel are so important.”
The gifts will contribute to funding for student scholarships, the Child Development Laboratory, the family financial planning major, professorships in all four departments and expanding building facilities.
“The campaign is an innovative program that has received tremendous support from alumni, faculty, staff and the many friends of our college,” said Laura Jolly, FACS dean. “The willingness of these donors to include FACS in their estate plans demonstrates their desire for our college to continue its teaching, research and outreach missions far into the future.”
Campaign participants had several different ways to contribute including retirement plans, insurance policies, property, annuities, charitable remainder trusts and bequests, according to Bowers.
