Mercyhurst Prep-Giving Opportunities

MPS Giving Opportunities

Throughout its history Mercyhurst Prep has been blessed with many loyal alumni and friends who have demonstrated an interest in supporting the future of our school and a desire to become more closely associated with its vision. The following outline plans that allow you to contribute in a manner that best fits your desire or situation.

2009-10
MPS ANNUAL REVIEW

THE MERCYHURST PREP FUND
Shaping the leaders and dreamers of tomorrow, today always deals with envisioning the future. For over 80 years, vision has been the powerful motivating force that has made Mercyhurst Prep one of the most respected educational institutions in the Erie region and beyond. When awarding MPS its first national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 1993, then U.S. Rep. Tom Ridge (former PA Governor, and U.S. Director of Homeland Security) stated, "Mercyhurst Preparatory School has proven that it possesses strong, visionary leadership and a can-do attitude toward meeting today's educational challenges." Mercyhurst Prep has since earned this prestigious award again! We understand that we dare not be satisfied with the status quo, nor lose the pacesetting momentum gained by those who worked so hard to make Mercyhurst Prep the treasure that it is today. Mercyhurst Prep is that "treasure" because you, our friends, have journeyed with us providing your talents and gifts to our many programs, challenges, and opportunities. Your support will strengthen Mercyhurst Prep's competitive positioning and enhance the Mercy and Catholic educational identity so crutial to our mission. We encourage a long-term commitment to the yearly Mercyhurst Prep Fund, in order to help secure the continued success of this great institution.

PLANNED GIVING
The Planned Giving program at MPS has been established to educate those who would like to give to the school in a way other than an outright gift. These non-traditional, creative gift giving opportunities help to secure the school's future. In this way, the quality education and strong ethical influence that provide guidance to MPS students can be assured for generations to come.

CREATIVE GIFT GIVING TOOLS SIMPLIFIED

Scholarship Funds - Many benefactors have established funds in honor of, or in memory of, a particular individual or for a cause. When a fund reaches $10,000 or more, the donor may wish it become endowed and restricted as a named scholarship. This allows the scholarship to live on virtually forever, with the scholarship award itself being generated from the interest earned on the principal. This is a wonderful way to remember a loved one or to raise awareness to areas of need. If you create the scholarship, you may wish to also become a presenter at the "MPS Awards Day" and/or craft your scholarship as per your wishes*.
Some donors choose to generously make their commitment to one of the many existing scholarships now in place or to the popular "Dollars for Scholars" fund which will help a variety of deserving and often finantially needy students.
Insurance - Sometimes donors purchase insurance policies and name the school as beneficiary or owner of a policy. This can also be accomplished by transferring ownership or by changing a beneficiary of an existing policy. These gifts are many times easy and have the potential to do tremendous good as policies mature.
Gifts of Property/Stocks/Bonds - Virtually any real property (a home or land, for instance) can become a gift. Also items such as books, jewelry, and artwork are possible gifts. Stocks and bonds may be a possibility as well. When securities that have grown significantly in value are sold, the capital gains tax may be significant. Giving these securities to Mercyhurst Prep will eliminate the tax burden and allow the donor a charitable deduction.
Trusts and Annuities - If a donor wants Mercyhurst Prep to receive a significant gift but wishes to maintain an income from the gift for a certain amount of time, a charitable remainder trust (CRT) may be the answer. An annuity works similarly to a CRT but does not need as large an investment. If a donor prefers to keep the principal and distribute an annual gift, a charitable lead trust (CLT) may be an appropriate tool.

MPS TREE OF RECOGNITION
Donate at different levels of giving as defined by polished gold (founder level), brushed gold (benefactor level), and silver leaves, (friend level). Large fitted ground plates of gold metal are also offered under the tree for larger donations.

The MPS A.D.V.O.C.A.T.E. Program (Advancing Dreams Vowing Ongoing Commitment And Thoughtful Effort)
This exciting program allows a donor to partner with students* for one, to all four years of their stay here at MPS. If you decide to commit to this program, your generosity will certainly change and impact lives as well as aid us in continuing the Sisters of Mercy legacy of an exemplary, well rounded, faith-based education in the finest academic tradition, for ALL that pursue it. Our young people deserve an opportunity for a Mercy education and your generosity will help to make that a reality. We set the pace for education in our area and although often imitated, it is never pursued with the same motivation and goals. A commitment gesture to the A.D.V.O.C.A.T.E. program, indicates your belief, in all that we represent and provides a positive, life-changing effect on families in need.

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If you would like more information, please contact: Lisa Nietupski, (814)824-2408, lznietupski@mpslakers.com

*Certain limitations apply. Scholarship originators cannot be involved in any way with the student award selection process.
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Mercyhurst Preparatory School is a 501(c) 3 charitable organization. Because goods or services provided in return for your donation consist entirely of intangible benefits, the full amount of your gift is deductible for federal income tax purposes.

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