-
-
After five years at Carleton, I am still amazed by Reunion. It’s an incredible concentration of Carleton friendship, energy, and commitment that just fills campus. I know that students who work Reunion are very moved to see how long-lasting alumni connections are, both to the College and to each other.
The strength of these connections is what keeps Carleton strong. We have many ambitious goals and challenges ahead of us as we work to admit the best students, sustain the College’s academic excellence, and prepare our graduates for the rapidly changing world ahead.
Nothing gives me greater confidence in Carleton’s continued success than the forward-looking generosity of donors like you, one of 2,493 alumni, parents, and friends of Carleton who are members of the Joseph Lee Heywood Society. Your steadfast support is the bedrock on which the College’s future will be built, and I am deeply grateful for your ongoing commitment to Carleton.
Many thanks!
Alison Byerly P ’15
President -
Puzak Family Director of the Cowling Arboretum Nancy Braker ’81 shares insights on how the Arb is used for education and recreation today. -
Once her path led her to Carleton, Barb Wonson-Liukkonen ’76 says she always loved the story behind the College’s planned giving society. “I love the fact that it represents a real person, Joseph Lee Heywood, standing down there at the bank, saying no to the bank robbers,” she said. “He made the first decision to protect the people’s and the College’s money.”
Barb had grown up in Minnesota, and her grandfather, her aunt, and her mother had all been Carls. But Barb wanted to go out East, so she chose Skidmore College, where she was happy—until she ran out of classes to take.
-
Giving retirement plan assets to Carleton can be a tax-wise way to make a gift. Consider these three easy options:
Make an outright gift by QCD
If you’re 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to make a gift directly to Carleton from your IRA and pay no income taxes. The maximum QCD allowed in 2026 is $111,000. In addition, if you’re 73 or older, a QCD can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).Name Carleton as a beneficiary of your IRA
By naming Carleton as beneficiary of your IRA, you retain access to your IRA during your lifetime, and all or a percentage of the funds that remain in your IRA come to Carleton after death. Carleton is not subject to income tax for gifts of retirement assets after death because the College is tax-exempt. However, when children are named as beneficiaries of traditional IRA funds, they must pay income tax on the distributions, so it may be advantageous to make your family gifts from other assets (such as life insurance, stocks, or real estate).Fund a Charitable Gift Annuity with a QCD
If you’re 70½ or older, you can use a QCD to fund an immediate Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). You’ll gain the security of a fixed, guaranteed income for life in addition to supporting the College. The IRS currently limits the distribution to one calendar year only and up to a maximum gift of $55,000, but if you and your spouse are both 70½ or older, you can each contribute $55,000 from your respective IRAs.Each of these options offers unique advantages, and if you would like to learn more, please contact the Office of Planned Giving.
-
Congress recently passed legislation that introduced a new charitable deduction for individuals who do not itemize on their tax return. This will apply to the 2026 tax year and beyond. Individuals can deduct up to $1,000 per year in cash gifts to charity ($2,000 for couples filing a joint return). Find out more here!