Frequently Asked Questions

• I am unable to make a current gift, but I'd still like to support the Lowell Alumni Association in the future. Any ideas?

  An easy and low-cost way to make a gift via the LAA to benefit Lowell is to include the Lowell Alumni Association in your will or revocable trust. Gifts by will are a major source of endowment support at the LAA. 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 the Lowell Alumni Association in your will or revocable trust. See our Bequest Language page for samples of how to do this. You can also designate the LAA as beneficiary of Life Insurance or Retirement-Plan Benefits.

• What asset should I use to make my gift?

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

  Gift Type	Possible Benefits
  Cash	Current income-tax deduction Generate income
  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
  Give us tangible personal property like art, books, or collectibles	An income-tax charitable deduction
  Make our institution the beneficiary of life insurance, retirement plans or annuities	Income- and estate-tax savings

• Can I direct how the Lowell Alumni Association 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 remember a loved one. Please be sure to discuss this with us when you make your gift.

• How will the Lowell Alumni Association recognize my gift?

  If your gift is a bequest commitment or through life insurance, retirement plans, life-income plans, or lead trusts, you will become a permanent member of the 1856 Society. Of course, we will also honor any requests for gifts to be anonymous.

• Why should I consider a gift to the Lowell Alumni Association?

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

  • To express gratitude for the education you received.
  • To honor a beloved faculty member, classmate, or relative.
  • To ensure that Lowell High School will remain a vibrant and lasting influence in the lives of students both today and in the future.
  • To help provide the very best education and college preparation to our students, regardless of the vicissitudes of public funding for Lowell High School.
  • To celebrate a special occasion.

Please contact our Executive Director for more information.