Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I create income with my gift?

  Yes. Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine has many plans for Gifts That Pay You Income. You can also provide income for a child, grandchild, parent, or a friend. The income can increase cash flow now and/or during retirement, pay for a college education, provide income for aging parents, or assist a loved one with special needs.

• I am unable to make a current gift, but I'd still like to support Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine in the future. Any ideas?

  An easy and low-cost way to make a gift to Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine is to include our institution in your will or revocable trust. Gifts by Will are a major source of support for us. Each individual legacy contributes to our financial strength and ability to meet the needs of our students and their families. If you have not already done so, please consider putting Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine or its departments or programs in your will or revocable trust. See our Bequest Language page for samples of how to do this. You can also designate Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine, its departments, or its programs as the beneficiary of Life Insurance, annuities, or Retirement-Plan Benefits.

• What asset should I use to make my gift?

  While a check or cash is a simple way to make a gift, you might want to consider the following:

  Gift Type	Possible Benefits
  Cash/check	Current income-tax deduction
  Appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Current income tax deduction Generate income
  Transfer of residential, commercial, or undeveloped real estate	Elimination or reduction of capital-gain tax Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income Relief from management
  Donate an interest in closely held or family business stock	Reduce the cost of passing the business to heirs Income- and estate-tax savings Generate income
  Tangible personal property, such as art, books, or collectibles	An income-tax charitable deduction
  Make our institution the owner and beneficiary of life insurance or annuities	Income- and estate-tax savings

   

• Can I direct how Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine will use my gift?

  Most often the answer to this is “yes.” Many donors direct that their gifts be used to fund specific programs or departments or to remember a loved one. Please be sure to discuss this with your gift officer when you make your gift.

• How will Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine recognize my gift?

  If your gift is a bequest commitment or through life insurance, life-income plans, or lead trusts, you will become a permanent member of the Keck Legacy Circle. Of course, we will also honor any requests for gifts to be anonymous.

• Why should I consider a gift to Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine?

  Gifts are made for many different reasons. Often gifts are made:

  • To express gratitude for the education you received.
  • To honor a loved one.
  • To ensure Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine will remain a vibrant and strong place for today’s and future patients, students, researchers, and the community.
  • To help Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine provide the finest care to patients, regardless of their financial situation.
  • To celebrate a special occasion.
  • To support Keck Medicine of USC and/or Keck School of Medicine’s clinical, research, or educational missions or any department, program, or units’ missions.

Please contact Ludia.Chae-Zerrudo@med.usc.edu for more information.