Ways to Give

Your contribution — at any level — demonstrates your commitment to and appreciation for OLLI.

• All gifts are tax-deductible
• All gifts support only our OLLI program. Contributions are simply processed through Northwestern and deposited in a restricted fund for OLLI's exclusive use.

Make/Renew my Annual Gift

• Give online: Click here.
• You can give one-time or set up a monthly, quarterly, or yearly recurring gift.
• Give via phone: Call us at 800-222-5603
• Mail your check, payable to Northwestern University. Designate OLLI in the Memo:

Northwestern University
Alumni Relations and Development
1201 Davis Street
Evanston, IL 60208

 “The high-tech microphones in OLLI classrooms have been a godsend. I can be fully engaged in discussion without straining to hear others or worrying that I can’t be heard. Contributions to the Member Fund will help us have microphones in every classroom.”

Honorary and Memorial gifts are a special way to commemorate your loved ones, friends, OLLI coordinators, or fellow OLLI members. You may designate who should be notified of your gift.

Designate your gift as anonymous if you wish to support your OLLI privately.

Qualified Charitable Distribution

Save on taxes by supporting OLLI through your IRA. Those 70½ years or older can give OLLI any amount (up to $100,000) per year from an IRA without having to pay income taxes on the money. Beginning in the year you turn 72, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution. Since the gift does not count as income, it can reduce your annual income level. To discuss a qualified charitable distribution, email us.

Securities/Stocks

Gifts of publicly traded securities that have appreciated in value allow you to avoid capital gains taxes while also receiving a tax deduction for your gift. We benefit by selling the stock without paying taxes on the gain, and you benefit from making a contribution that would be larger than what you might have been able to donate in cash. You can specify that you would like the proceeds to support OLLI. To discuss a gift of securities or stock, email us.

 “In addition to in-person experiences, OLLI has also embraced the benefits of virtual experiences. For me, participating virtually has staved off loneliness, provided flexibility, and protected me from illness and inclement weather. I feel blessed that OLLI can invest in the technology to make this all possible.”

Gifts of Mutual Funds

Before a transfer of mutual funds is made, please notify us with the name of fund and number of shares gifted so we can monitor our account for the expected transfer. Certain mutual funds may require special accommodations. To discuss a gift of mutual funds, email us.

Planned Gifts

Planned gifts create tremendous opportunities to transform the future of OLLI. Depending on how they are structured, planned gifts can also offer tax benefits, provide income to you and your family, and ensure flexibility should your circumstances change. We invite you to explore how planned giving can help you realize your financial goals while creating a brighter future for OLLI. To discuss a planned gift, email us.

Endowed gifts are permanently invested to supply a steady, annual source of funds for a purpose specified by the donor. They are often named in honor of the donor or a loved one. Because these gifts continue to generate income in perpetuity, they provide essential resources to ensure OLLI’s long-term strength and support future generations. To discuss an endowed gift, email us.

 “Have you ever been on a field trip and been frustrated because you can’t hear the leader? OLLI field trips are never frustrating because the Member Fund is used to purchase portable hearing devices. Problem solved!”

Donor-Advised Funds

A donor-advised fund, which is like a charitable savings account, is an easy, cost-effective way to support OLLI. If you have an existing donor-advised fund, you may direct it to transfer cash or other assets to Northwestern OLLI.To discuss a donor-advised fund gift, email us.

If you have questions about the OLLI Member Fund or would like more information about making a gift, please contact the Associate Director of Development: Seema Rehmatullah.

 “It’s important to me to be part of an organization that assists those who may not have the financial resources to participate otherwise. I’m glad some of my Member Fund dollars are used to provide financial scholarships to the people in my community. I’ve met some amazing people at OLLI.”

Recognition

• Your Membership Fund contribution will be recognized in a public alphabetical list of OLLI donors, unless you wish to remain anonymous.
• Lead Donors (contributors of $250 or more) and Advanced Donors (contributors of $500 or more) are also recognized.
• In addition, Northwestern University recognizes donations of $1,000 and above for cumulative contributions made to OLLI or any other school or program.

 “OLLI has really given my life meaning. It’s kept me intellectually engaged, active, and vibrant. The other members have become my community – my people. I want this important program to be around for others in the future, so I’ve decided to include a gift to OLLI in my estate plan.