"Live a life of purpose." - Clara Bradley Burdette

In 1956, Alpha Phi was one of the first women's fraternities to establish a Foundation. Demonstrating the philanthropic spirit of love and charity intended by our Founders, the Foundation was created as a trust to award grants specifically for scholarship and cardiac aid.

The Foundation’s planned giving circle is named after founder Clara Bradley Burdette, who was also a philanthropist and funded a maternity wing at Pasadena Hospital in 1904. Her prime objective in life was developing better opportunities for women, and one of her personal mottos was to "live a life of purpose."

Clara is also known for coining the phrase “As long as memory remains to me, I will remember Alpha Phi.” These words speak to each of us, and they serve as a constant reminder that tomorrow’s Fraternity depends on today’s members. Those who came before us paved the way for our strong, vibrant Alpha Phi. Now it’s our turn to do the same.

It’s never too early to think about planning your future gift to the Alpha Phi Foundation. Many of these gifts benefit you in your lifetime, as well as provide future gifts to the Foundation.

Bequest – Give a portion or all of your assets to the Foundation through your will

Why a bequest? This simple method of remembering Alpha Phi Foundation assures that some portion of your estate passes to the Foundation after your death. Including the Foundation in your will may help your heirs avoid certain estate taxes. You can change your mind about your bequest at any time before your death. Your attorney can help you, and – if you already have a will -- you can add a codicil at little cost.

To leave the Foundation a percentage of your estate in your will:

"I give (insert here the percentage of residual estate) to the Alpha Phi Foundation (FEIN 36-3895478), an Illinois not for profit corporation, 1930 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, to provide funding for [insert program area to benefit] OR for the program(s) in current need as determined by the Board of Directors of the Alpha Phi Foundation.” 

To leave the Foundation a specific amount of money: “I give (insert here the sum) to the Alpha Phi Foundation (FEIN 36-3895478), an Illinois not for profit corporation, 1930 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, to provide funding for [insert program area to benefit] OR for the program(s) in current need as determined by the Board of Directors of the Alpha Phi Foundation.”

Retirement Plan – Name the Foundation as a beneficiary on a retirement plan

Why retirement plans?Retirement plans can be heavily taxed (unless left to your spouse), and naming the Foundation as a charitable beneficiary could reduce taxes. You can change your mind about beneficiaries at any time.

Insurance Policy – Make the Foundation a beneficiary of a policy

Why insurance policies? You may have paid-up policies you no longer need, or you may want to set up a new policy with charitable intent. By giving either fully paid or partially paid insurance policies to the Foundation, you can receive tax deductions immediately or over the length of time you pay for the policy. Name the Foundation as both the beneficiary and policy owner, and do this through your local agent.

Charitable Gift Annuity – Set up an annuity and receive annual income, plus a tax deduction and lasting gift to the Foundation

Why a charitable gift annuity? By setting up an annuity of $10,000 or more to benefit the Foundation, you receive annual income and assure a gift to the Foundation after your death. Your quarterly returns are based on a percentage of your principal gift and are determined by your age. You can specify that income be paid during your lifetime and could continue payments to a second person. You receive an immediate tax deduction, and a small portion of your annual income may be tax-free.

Charitable Remainder Trust – Set up a trust and receive annual income, plus a tax deduction and gift to the Foundation

Why a charitable remainder trust? You receive annual income and could avoid capital gains and/or estate tax. A gift of $100,000 or more can be made through one of several types of remainder trusts. Your financial advisor can help you. Your gift to the Foundation, which gives you an immediate tax deduction, is invested in trust, and you and/or your family receive a percentage of this trust quarterly for life or a term of years. Some of this income can be tax-free. The remaining principal comes to the Foundation after the deaths of all specified in the trust.

Charitable Lead Trust – Set up a trust where annual income comes to the Foundation until your death, when the trust transfers back to the family

Why a charitable lead trust? You may not need income yourself at this time, but you would like your assets to remain within your family. A gift of $100,000 or more to the Foundation can be set in trust and invested. Income generated comes to the Foundation, but at your death, the trust is dissolved and transfers to your family. You do not pay estate tax of the appreciation of the trust, and you receive tax benefits.

Annuities and Trusts can be set up through your financial manager.