Giving to UM SPH
  
These SPH students have been on Capitol Hill, interning at a hospital, and working on HIV/AIDS in Latin America…all with your support!
Important Legislative Information:
 As you may know, while Congress has been debating health care overhaul, several key pieces of legislation that may have an effect on your estate plans have expired or were not updated. For your convenience, here is some of what we are aware of:
Federal Estate Tax
Per legislation enacted in 2001, the Federal estate tax rate for 2010 is zero percent for individuals who pass away this year. While legislation passed the House in December that would cap the maximum estate tax rate and exemption, the Senate failed to act. There is speculation that legislation will pass this year and will be made retroactive to January 1st. In the meantime, what does this mean? It may mean that you will want to visit your attorney to make sure your estate plans are in order (you may have built in contingent language to deal with the shifting sands of the past nine years). If you do, here is a shameless plug for considering the School of Public Health as part of your estate planning.
Charitable IRA rollovers
This legislation expired on December 31, 2009, and Congress did not act to extend it. Again, there is speculation that the previous legislative provision will be extended (and likely made retroactive to January 1st). What does this mean? You may not make charitable gifts from your IRAs in a tax-advantaged manner. If you want to make a gift from your IRA, you may want to wait (a couple months??) to see if/how Congress will act. There is some hope that the legislation will be expanded, making planned gifts (CGAs, CRTs) from IRAs very advantageous. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about this.
Roth IRA conversions
As of January 1st, the income cap for Roth IRAs has been removed and people at all income levels may establish a Roth. Also, everyone can convert traditional IRAs into Roth IRAs. To do so, individuals must pay the income tax on the funds coming out of the traditional IRA in the year in which they convert it to a Roth. What does this mean? You may likely find yourself with a higher income tax burden and may wish to make a charitable gift to help offset this tax.
To discuss the above, or if you have detailed questions, please contact the University Office of Gift Planning for information at 734-647-7991. Ask for Sally Baker or Renee Winkler. Their web site address is: http://www.giving.umich.edu/guide/index.php?page=planning
 Have you seen the new T.V. show "The Philanthropist," about a 40-something millionaire seeking meaning in his life by finding ways to give away his fortune? Our media fascination with “doing good” is a commentary on the strong collective and individual need to make a difference in the world.
Everyone has their own special way of exercising an interest in giving to others, and we are fortunate to include 1,684 donors who have chosen UM SPH. They now comprise our 2009 online Honor Roll listing (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009). We are honored to have such support.
As you review the names of UM SPH alumni and friends who have given gifts to the school, keep in mind that each one represents a person who is taking their hard-earned money and choosing to invest in UM SPH students, faculty, and service programs, all of whom drive the mission of UM SPH through their careers, research and collaborative community projects.
So what does this really mean exactly? It means that contributions from donors like you have enabled:
There are too many student/faculty accomplishments, projects in process or alumni achievements to list them all. I hope the point is clear. Gifts to UM SPH go from people who want to make a difference to people who work hard to create positive change. Thank you to all who have, and to all who will be part of our effort to prevent disease, promote health, and be an active participant in working to create a healthier world.
Challenge for the Student Global Experience
The University of Michigan has announced a new President’s donor challenge to help enrich students' global education experiences. The match opportunity expires when the $5 million in available funds has been exhausted or by December. 31, 2009, whichever comes first. More info on the Challenge for the Student Global Experience in Net:Works.
More Giving Opportunities
Every gift to UM SPH plays a vital role in improving the public's health by supporting cutting-edge research, scholarships, internships, educational events, and new initiatives. See all UM SPH giving opportunities. You can make a gift online through UM's secure giving site.
You Give More with Matching Programs
You can increase your gift to UM by making use of your company's matching gift program. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please enter your employer's name in the search box on the UM matching gifts website.
Planning Your Legacy
Want to make a difference in public health education, training, research or service through your estate? Let the University of Michigan Office of Planned Giving website help you understand the various ways you can support your giving interests, or call 734-764-8093 for more information.
Planned Giving Update
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 provides a limited-time opportunity for individuals aged 70 ½ to make charitable contributions directly from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) to qualified charitable organizations. Between now and December 31, 2009, you may take advantage of this unique opportunity to support the School of Public Health and the University of Michigan. More information, or call 734-764-8093.
New Building Offers Opportunities for Honoring
 With the Crossroads and Tower now open and the renovation of SPH completed, these new facilities offer friends, alumni, faculty, and staff of the school the opportunity to honor a family member, colleague, or respected associate with the naming of a special space.
Building naming opportunities range from trees or bricks in the new court yard, to artwork, to actual spaces like the CyberCafe or a new lab. Several spaces already boast honorees; the Lane Family Auditorium, the Kimma Chang Meeting Room, and the JSI Conference Room.
Donations will enable UM SPH to maintain the new structure, and in some cases continue to improve its final form, especially in the areas of landscaping and artwork for open spaces.
As UM President Mary Sue Coleman expressed at the Crossroads opening in 2006:
"The message is clear: The University of Michigan School of Public Health is at the forefront of public health research, teaching and service [and] what takes place at the school directly benefits the lives, health and spirit of people around the world."
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