Giving to the Foundation

Your donation to GCC will keep Greenfield Community College accessible and affordable to all who want to attend. In all matters related to charitable planned giving, we strongly encourage you to consult with your own financial advisor.

What you can give

  • Cash
  • Stock (publicly traded for closely held business)
  • Retirement plan assets
  • Real estate (houses, land, etc.)
  • Other tangible assets (jewelry, art, cars, boats, etc.)
  • Life insurance

How you can give: now

  • Cash
  • Retirement plan
  • Outright gift of stock (public or closely held)
  • Real estate or other tangible assets to use or sell now
  • Charitable Lead Trust
  • Life Income Arrangement (Charitable Remainder Trust or Pooled Income Fund)

How you can give: later

  • Bequest (percentage)
  • Bequest (fixed amount)
  • Bequest (tangible assets)
  • Remainder IRAs
  • Insurance

Frequently asked questions about planned giving

Do I need a lot of money to make a gift to the endowment?

No, there are many ways to give, meet your needs, and the needs of the College. Your attorney, accountant, or financial advisor can provide additional advice on which charitable option is best for you.

How does a planned gift differ from an annual gift?

A planned gift should be in addition to the donor's annual giving. A planned gift is often deferred and the donor is able to designate how the money will be used in the future. Some planned gifts are immediate and others are part of an estate plan to benefit GCC and the donor.

How can I ensure that my annual gift keeps on giving?

The GCC Foundation counts on your regular contributions to its Annual Fund Campaign to fulfill its ongoing commitments to students and the College. You can ensure that your annual gift continues to change the lives of students and communities forever by endowing it now through a planned gift to the Foundation.

What is the best method of giving for me?

The decision as to which vehicle is best to use is personal and should be arrived at with the help of your financial advisor or professionals at the Foundation. Such factors as age, life expectancy, assets, heirs, and income should all be considered. The Foundation is always at your service at no cost to you, respecting your confidentiality and willing to work with your accountant, attorney, or financial advisors.

Is an outright gift better than a deferred gift?

An outright gift is preferable because GCC can have use of the gift sooner. However, there are also some circumstances when a deferred gift is better. Some deferred gifts can have a much greater impact than an outright gift. Frequently, a combination of outright and deferred giving is the ideal solution.

What is the first step?

Make a confidential phone call to the Foundation at (413) 775-1600, email foundation@gcc.mass.edu, or stop by our office (N209) at One College Drive, in Greenfield. We will be happy to assist you in developing a charitable planned giving program tailored to your specifications.

Recognition opportunities

  • Sustaining Gifts (up to $499)
  • Advocate Gifts ($500 to $999)
  • Partner Gifts ($1,000 to $2,499)
  • President's Club Gifts ($2,500 to $4,999)
  • Pacesetter Gifts Gifts ($5,000 to $9,999)
  • Leadership Gifts ($10,00 or more)

The Lewis O. Turner Society

The Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Lewis O. Turner Society to recognize significant gifts to the endowment, as well as bequests and other planned gifts to the GCC Foundation. Lew Turner was president of Greenfield Community College from 1964 to 1978, during which time he oversaw the expansion of the campus to its current location in the Greenfield meadows, and was vital in the development of the Foundation itself.