NWHSU logo Frequently Asked Questions


Northwestern's Office of Development offers a number of resources to help you decide on the right approach for giving. Please review our list of frequently asked questions. We hope you can find all the answers you are looking for. Please use the Inquiry Form for any other questions you may have.
  1. Why give a gift to Northwestern?
  2. What is the address of the Development Office?
  3. What are the different ways I can make my gift to Northwestern?
  4. What are the tax benefits of making a gift to Northwestern?
  5. How much of my donation is tax deductible?
  6. Can I direct a gift for a certain goal?
  7. How can I get my gift matched by my company?
  8. How will I be recognized for my gift?
  9. Will I need a tax advisor to help me set up a planned gift?
  10. If I include Northwestern in my will, whom do I need to tell about it?
  11. How do I prove I have made a gift to NW when I file my taxes?

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  1. Why give a gift to Northwestern?
    One of the most important aspects of Northwestern is that it has always had a sense of community. So we view part of our work as efforts to build, and strengthen, that sense of community. Out of that sense of those things that we hold in common-our "common unity"-comes the strength and collaboration to advance the common good.

    We give to anyone, or any thing, based on what our values are: we give of ourselves to friends and family that are in need, we give of our time to support those causes that need our direct interaction, and we give of our resources and assets to advance a cause, improve a community, and to leave a legacy.

    The values we all hold dear determine what, and whom, we support-and how that support is provided. Values are not anything you have to defend, they are simply the deep and personal orientation you bring to life's decisions. So the first question that is important is this: When you seek to make gifts or to do estate planning, what are your values? Additionally, what kind of work, direction, or cause do you wish to advance or support? Is it research that seeks to answer questions about the cost-effectiveness of health care? Is it the comparison of two different modalities of care? Is it to provide free services to address community health needs? Is it clothing or food for the poor?

    Northwestern's mission elements of service, education and research offer three main avenues for improving the common good. Because of this, your gifts can benefit the community of health care providers that seeks to have fundamentally healthy relationships with patients and clients in ways that improve the quality of peoples' lives.

  2. What is the address of the Development Office?

    Office of Development
    Northwestern Health Sciences University
    2501 W. 84th Street
    Bloomington, MN 55431

    Phone: (952) 888-4777, ext. 237
    Fax: (952) 886-7583
    E-mail: giving@nwhealth.edu

  3. What are the different ways I can make my gift to Northwestern?
    • Annual Giving
      • President's Circle
        Our President's Circle is comprised of individuals who commit to a level of annual giving and who are invited on a quarterly basis to meet with the president of Northwestern for a free-flowing exchange of ideas, plans, concepts and detailed information about the operation of the university. Members serve at the pleasure of the university president and may apply or be invited. To apply, contact our office or apply online (coming soon).
      • Capital Campaigns
        Our Capital Campaigns occur from time to time as we are required to expand our physical facility to assure that our students are able to learn in the most effective environment. To make a gift or establish a pledge, you can contact our office or set up your account online.
      • Remembrance Fund
        Our Remembrance Fund is an opportunity to make gifts in the name of friends, colleagues and other loved ones who have left us. It is a nice way to advance the status of the professions they loved and worked to enhance. To make a gift you can contact our office or set up your account online.
      • Research Fund
        Our Research Fund supports the efforts of Northwestern's internationally recognized leadership in clinical research. To make a gift or establish an annual pledge, you can contact our office or set up your account online.
      • Northwestern Wall of Honor
        The Northwestern Wall of Honor is being established in the fiscal year 2001-2002. Look for it when you come to our Homecoming and Winter Gathering in February 2002!
    • Planned Giving
      • Gifts of securities or stocks
      • Gifts of retirement plan assets
      • Gifts of real estate
      • Gifts of life insurance
      • Gifts of cash
    • Credit Card gifts can be made online
    • Checks can be made out to Northwestern Health Sciences University and mailed to our office.

  4. What are the tax benefits of making a gift to Northwestern?
    Everyone's personal situation is different, so you need to consult with your tax advisor. Generally speaking, however, there are benefits proportional to the value of the gift. These benefits may be realized immediately, realized over a period of years, or deferred.

  5. How much of my donation is tax deductible?
    This depends on personal circumstances, and if your donation is cash, securities, or real property. Check with your tax advisor.

  6. Can I direct a gift for a certain goal?
    Any gift made to Northwestern can be directed for use in scholarship, capital drives, remembrance, research, or general institutional needs. To direct your gift, simply attach a letter stating your wishes. Our response to you confirming your donation will reflect your wish and the donation's specific application, where appropriate.

  7. How can I get my gift matched by my company?
    Many companies will match charitable donations employees make to non-profits and other programs. Check with your human resources office to see if your company has such a program.

  8. How will I be recognized for my gift?
    We know that people who wish to see the university advanced are not looking for special recognition. At the same time, we believe that the generosity of our friends and alumni is something that may deserve special note. You may find that a mention of your gift is made in the Alumni Bulletin or some other university or college publication. If you wish to remain anonymous, your wishes will be respected. Simply indicate to us in a letter along with your donation that you desire anonymity.

  9. Will I need a tax advisor to help me set up a planned gift?
    Northwestern works with attorneys and tax specialists to create charitable remainder trusts and other forms of planned giving. Wills and bequests are not typically done by the institution, as they reflect your overall needs and wishes. It is most important that you consult with your own tax advisor or counselor before making a donation to Northwestern. Your advisor will work with Northwestern's advisors to craft the most appropriate answer to your planned giving interests and estate planning requirements.

  10. If I include Northwestern in my will, whom do I need to tell about it?
    Typically, a donor will notify our offices of their intent to remember the university in their will. A certified copy of the bequest text is sometimes sent to our office for our records.

  11. How do I prove I have made a gift to NW when I file my taxes?
    You will receive a letter from NW identifying the gift, the amount, and the dateas well as a note from us thanking you!

    If you have any questions about these, or other matters pertaining to charitable donations to Northwestern please contact us at 952/800-888-4777, ext. 237 or giving@nwhealth.edu
   
 

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