A Tax-Wise Gift from the Heart

Unique paths led Bob Wilson and Lynn Blakeman to Mount Vernon Nazarene College. MVNU became part of the fabric of their lives. Now they support MVNU from Bob's IRA in gratitude for Christian growth, direction, and connection, and so future students may also receive a transformative Christ-centered education.

Bob, raised in a non-Christian home, found a new family at the Sandusky, Ohio, Church of the Nazarene. He thrived in Bible quizzing and frequently visited Mount Vernon for competitions, witnessing the campus develop and meeting faculty and staff. It was natural for Bob to join MVNC for his college journey. The college became an extension of his spiritual family.

Lynn, connected to the Nazarene community in southwest Ohio, had lived in various places due to her father's military career. Despite moving around, she always knew MVNC would be her choice. And she wanted a Christian family and thought Mount Vernon might be a good place to find a husband!

At MVNC, both Bob and Lynn immersed themselves in campus activities, formed lasting friendships, had mountaintop spiritual experiences, and learned from caring professors. And they found each other.

Afterwards, Bob continued his education at Northwest Nazarene University, following his call to ministry, with Lynn joining him a year later. Lynn dedicated 25 years to teaching, while Bob served as a pastor for 23 years before moving into financial planning for 28 years. They also actively participated as MVNU class representatives and attended alumni events.

Their donations are a way to express gratitude for the spiritual development, life direction, and friendships they gained, marking a continuous connection to MVNU. Recently they began utilizing Bob's IRA for larger contributions.

"It's easy to invest in MVNU," they share. "We have full confidence in the school, its current direction, and its future under God's guidance. We are thrilled to see God's Holy Spirit moving at MVNU." They see their donations as faith-filled investments, with hopes that MVNU will continue its mission, impacting future students.

Bob emphasizes that giving through an IRA is tax-wise. "It maximizes other resources and is the foundation stone of being a faithful steward."

MVNU appreciates Bob and Lynn for their dedication as volunteers, alumni, and significant donors.

Consider joining them in supporting MVNU if you hold a special place for this mission in your heart. We are eager to help you explore how you can make tax-wise gifts for Christ-centered, transformative education.

What is an IRA QCD or IRA charitable rollover gift?

If you are 70½ or older, an IRA qualified charitable distribution (IRA QCD), also called an IRA charitable rollover, is a way to make a gift to support the cause of Mount Vernon Nazarene University from your IRA.

• Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $111,000 from your IRA to MVNU
• Satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year
• Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions
• Make a gift that is not subject to the deduction limits on charitable gifts
• Help further the work and mission of MVNU

IRA rollover video

How an IRA charitable rollover gift works

1. Contact us about creating an IRA rollover to support Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
2. Contact your IRA plan administrator to make a one-time qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA to MVNU. (Find your custodian in the drop-down box.)
3. MVNU will use your IRA gift as you direct.
4. You will receive an acknowledgement from MVNU for your taxes.
5. Please note that IRA gifts do not qualify for a charitable deduction, but they also are not taxed to you.

Is an IRA rollover gift right for you?

Have you calculated what your IRA required minimum distribution will be this year and how it will affect your taxes? If you have questions about how you can benefit from an IRA rollover, please feel free to contact us.