Alumna Fulfills Financial Goals Through Philanthropic Planning
Judy Stapelmann earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in biology at UC Santa Barbara. She went on to teach biology and ecology at Ventura College, Glendale College and Santa Barbara City College. Her interest in the environment and the preservation of open spaces—gained from a lifetime of horseback riding—led to her active involvement in many charitable organizations that contribute to the long-term health of our planet.
When Judy came to UC Santa Barbara's Office of Planned Giving, she hoped to make a legacy gift to the University at the same time that she met both long- and short-term tax and family financial planning goals. She established a charitable remainder unitrust, funded with a block of appreciated stock in a single company. As a result, she was able to:
- Receive an immediate tax deduction
- Decrease her taxable estate
- Eliminate capital gain on her appreciated shares
- Diversify her investment portfolio
- Ensure a lifelong income
Her generous gift will ultimately fund unrestricted endowments for the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology and for the UC Santa Barbara Sedgwick Reserve. Judy was motivated to make this generous gift because, in her words, "UC Santa Barbara is an institution to be proud of and an asset to the community. By making this gift, I'm receiving a return as well as knowing I'm furthering something important to me. As someone in a position to do so, I feel giving back is the right thing to do."
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.