Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I create income with my gift?

  Yes! Deerfield has many plans for Gifts That Pay You Income. You can also provide income for a child, a grandchild, a parent, or a friend. That income can increase cash flow now and/or during retirement, pay for a college education, provide income for aging parents, or perhaps assist a loved one with special needs. You can also provide income to Deerfield and realize estate planning benefits for your family by using a Charitable Lead Trust.

• I am unable to make a current gift, but I'd still like to support Deerfield Academy in the future. Any ideas?

  An easy way to make a gift is to include Deerfield in your will or revocable trust. Such bequests are a major source of endowment support for Deerfield. Each individual legacy contributes to the Academy’s financial strength and ability to meet the needs of students. See our Bequest Language page for samples of how to include Deerfield in your long-term planning. You can also name Deerfield as a beneficiary of life insurance, commercial annuities, or tax-deferred retirement plan benefits (IRA, 401(k), etc).

• What asset should I use to make my gift?

  While cash or a check is a simple way to make a gift, you might want to consider the following:

  Gift Type	Possible Benefits
  Cash	Current income-tax deduction
  Appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  Transfer of residential, commercial, or undeveloped real estate	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income Relief from management
  Donate an interest in closely held or family business stock	Reduce the cost of passing the business to heirs Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income
  Donate tangible personal property like art, books, or collectibles	An income-tax charitable deduction
  Make Deerfield the owner and beneficiary of fully paid-up life insurance or annuities	Current income-tax deduction Income- and estate-tax savings

• Can I direct how Deerfield Academy will use my gift?

  Many donors direct their gifts toward perpetual aspects of Deerfield that have particular meaning for them, such as campus, faculty, or scholarships. Please be sure to discuss this with Deerfield before completing your estate plan to ensure that we will be able to accept your gift and fully carry out your wishes.

• How will Deerfield Academy recognize my gift?

  Most planned gifts receive full-dollar-value recognition for class reunions or toward special campaigns. For any gift that involves estate- or long-term financial planning, we will invite you to become a member of The Frank L. and Helen Childs Boyden Society. Of course, we will also honor any requests for gifts to be anonymous.

• Why should I consider a gift to Deerfield Academy?

  People make gifts for many different reasons.

  • To ensure Deerfield will remain a vibrant and strong place for many generations to come.
  • To help Deerfield provide the very best education to students, regardless of their families’ finances.
  • To express gratitude for the education you or your child received.
  • To honor a teacher or a loved one.
  • To celebrate a special occasion.

  Please contact the Gift Planning Office for more information.