Endowments

Endowments/1961 Giving Society

Endowments are vital to an institution’s ability to act with flexibility and foresight, and the permanent resources they steward deliver sustainable funding even amidst challenging times.

Endowments are not only an investment in the future of Durham Tech, they are a meaningful way to offer a tribute to a person or program with special meaning for the donor. Establishing an endowment at Durham Tech is also a powerful way to celebrate a milestone in the personal or professional life of the donor or a member of the donor’s circle of family and friends. For example, donors or members of the donor’s family may wish to establish an endowment to celebrate a birth, retirement, special anniversary, and the like.

1961 Giving Society

Established in 2021 in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of Durham Tech, the 1961 Giving Society was created to recognize and to thank the individuals who have invested in Durham Tech’s future through an endowed or planned gift. 1961 Giving Society members are vital partners whose generosity sustains a legacy of engagement that directly impacts Durham Tech’s ability to promote an integrated approach to workforce development and economic mobility that transforms lives and provides opportunities for the wellbeing and benefit of our community.

Durham Tech was among the five founding colleges in the North Carolina Community College System and has long been a leader in innovative programming, workforce development, and community enrichment.

1961 Giving Society Membership

1961 Giving Society membership is offered to individuals who make a “forever” gift commitment – endowed or planned – in support of Durham Tech. There is no minimum gift amount for a planned gift; however, written documentation of the gift is needed before membership is offered. The minimum gift to establish an endowment is $25,000 and this can be paid in installments over as much as five years.

Once inducted, 1961 Giving Society members have various opportunities to become more fully engaged with the College and like-minded individuals. Members will receive invitations to special events on campus and to the President’s Events held throughout the region. In addition, 1961 Giving Society members will be presented with a certificate of appreciation, lapel pin, and recognized in a variety of ways in print, social media, and at College events.

There are numerous ways to make a planned gift, either for unrestricted use or to establish or finish an endowment:

• Bequest through a will or trust
• A life income gift such as a charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity
• Providing for Durham Tech through a lead trust, private foundation, donor-advised fund, or supporting organization
• Naming Durham Tech as a beneficiary of an IRA or other retirement plan
• Assignment of a life insurance policy

Through irrevocable planned gifts of $100,000 or more, individuals are eligible for membership in the College's prestigious Lifetime Giving Society that recognize cumulative gifts from individuals, families, or corporations.

Planning Your Legacy

Please consider joining with other alumni, retirees, and friends of Durham Tech by providing for the College through a forever gift. You may designate your gift to assist students, faculty, research, programs, or any other area of your choosing. Our Foundation staff can outline the many benefits of planned gifts, and demonstrate how you can have a lasting impact on Durham Tech while meeting your own financial planning goals. Like many who have come before, you can create a legacy that will help to secure a promising future for Durham Tech.

For more information, please contact the Durham Tech Foundation Office by phone at 919- 536-7251 or foundation@durhamtech.edu.