Find the Right Gift Type for You
God is at work at CCU — changing lives and making His grace and truth a reality in the world. Without faithful supporters, we could not do it.
Generous gifts from our donors support Colorado Christian University as we continue in our pursuit to become one of the finest Christian institutions of higher learning; as we strive to provide young adults with an exemplary education; and as we prepare them to honor Christ by sharing His love around the world.
The opportunity to support the University presents itself in numerous shapes and sizes. In addition to cash gifts, donors give stock, real estate, IRA distributions, shares in a limited partnership, and several charitable gift annuities.
- Enterprise Zone: CCU has received designation as an 'Enterprise Zone' with the state of Colorado. Most gifts of cash are eligible for a 25% credit on your state income taxes when designated to CCU's Capital Campaign. Combined with your federal and state deductions, your gift to the campaign may only cost roughly half the total gift value! Calculate your potential savings.
- Cash Gifts: CCU accepts cash gifts via credit card, check, or cash. You may make a one-time or recurring gift by credit card though our online donation form. To send a gift by check or money order, please mail it to the Office of University Advancement at Colorado Christian University, 8787 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, CO 80226.
- Sustinere's Society: Sustinere is Latin for one who maintains, preserves, and protects. When you commit to a monthly, sustaining gifts, your smaller gifts will add up to a much larger gift over the course of a year to help maintain, preserve and protect a student's education. As a monthly donor you can contribute toward a student's education through an easy, automated monthly gift, starting at just $10 per month. Your contribution will be automatically charged to your credit card each month, and you may change or cancel your gift at any time.
- Gift Matching: Many companies encourage philanthropy by matching their employees' gifts to colleges and universities such as CCU. Most match the gift dollar for dollar, and some will even double or triple the amount. Participating companies may also recognize donations made by retirees and/or spouses.
- Planned Giving: Leave a legacy through planned giving. We can provide you with a free no-obligation estate planning consultation for your wills, trusts, or other estate planning needs.
- Stock: Gifts of stock that has increased in value and has been held for more than one year is one of the most popular assets used for charitable giving.
- In-Kind Gifts: Cars, trucks, and other vehicles can be easily converted to cash. Gifts of stock, property, and other non-cash items are excellent ways to help fund the mission and vision of CCU. To inquire about transfers of stock or gifts of other property, please contact the Office of University Advancement.
Enterprise Zone at CCU
Colorado Christian University’s Lakewood campus is in a designated “Enterprise Zone” by the state of Colorado, allowing our friends and supporters to more than double the impact of their donation in some cases.
What is an Enterprise Zone (EZ) Tax Credit?
Colorado’s Enterprise Zone Program provides tax incentives to encourage capital investment in certain targeted areas of the state — and Colorado Christian University’s main campus on Alameda is within one of these zones. This program makes it possible for CCU to offer certain donors a Colorado state income tax credit on qualifying contributions that are identified for campus development, such as the Armstrong Center.
Savings Example (for illustration only - please consult your personal tax advisor for exact savings in your situation)
Let’s say that you intend to give CCU a $5,000 year-end donation for campus development. You might actually be able to give $10,000 and it may only COST you $4,837.
Example:
Does my donation qualify for an EZ Tax Credit?
Cash and stock gifts made to Colorado Christian University – Campus Development may be eligible for the tax credit if:
- Valued at $250 or more
- Donated by a State of Colorado taxpayer
- Received before CCU reaches its yearly tax credit limit on qualifying contributions of $750,000
- You did not receive any direct benefits in exchange for your contribution
What are the benefits of an EZ Tax Credit?
Donors who make a qualifying contribution to CCU may be able to claim an income tax credit on their Colorado tax return of 25% on cash donations and 12.5% on stock gifts, up to a maximum yearly total credit of $100,000.
How do I take advantage of an EZ Tax Credit?
Make a donation of $250 or more to Colorado Christian University – Campus Development or Armstrong Center by December 31. Eligible donations will receive the tax credit on a first-come, first-served basis until CCU’s annual contribution limit of $750,000 is reached.
Other State Requirements
CCU is required to report your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), Colorado Taxpayer Account Number, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number to the State of Colorado in order for your contribution to be certified.
You will receive a Colorado Tax Form (DR 0075) from CCU. You must file it with your Colorado state income tax return to obtain your credit.
Recent Federal Tax Law Changes
The IRS has issued proposed regulations which could change the federal deductibility portion of the example above. Visit IRS online for more details. For this recent IRS change, and for confirmation of your own personal tax situation, please consult your own tax advisor. CCU is not issuing tax advice, but simply demonstrating the possibility of leveraging your donation through the Enterprise Zone tax credit.
Additional Questions
If you have questions or want to discuss your gift, contact Matt Rummel in the Office of University Advancement at 303.963.3269 or mrummel@ccu.edu.