Giving
The KUA Fund
Stronger Together
Generations of Kimball Union alumni, families, and faculty have generously supported the KUA Fund. Your gift enables us to encourage the learning, growth, discovery, and sense of belonging that defines the KUA experience.
Gifts to the KUA Fund go to work immediately to support students and faculty on The Hilltop and help the Academy fulfill its mission. Please make your 2025-26 KUA Fund gift today!
Gifts to the KUA Fund go to work immediately to support students and faculty on The Hilltop and help the Academy fulfill its mission. Please make your 2025-26 KUA Fund gift today!
Important Tax Updates & Year-End Planning
What Is Changing on January 1, 2026?
1. A New “Floor” for Itemizers: Starting in 2026, donors who itemize will face a new “generosity floor.” You may deduct charitable gifts only to the extent they exceed 0.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
2. Changes for High Earners: Beginning in 2026, the value of the charitable deduction will be capped at 35%, even though the top income tax rate remains 37%. Gifts made by December 31 may still receive the full 37% tax benefit.
Short-Term Opportunities (Before December 31, 2025)
- “Gift Bunching”: Some donors are choosing to consolidate future years’ giving into a single larger gift this year (2025) to maximize current tax benefits before the new 0.5% AGI floor applies in 2026.
- IRA Rollovers: For donors aged 70½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) remains an excellent option. You may transfer up to $105,000 (indexed for inflation) directly from your IRA to a nonprofit. A QCD can satisfy your 2025 Required Minimum Distribution and is excluded from taxable income.
Long-Term Planning Considerations (Beginning in 2026)
- Higher Estate Tax Exemption: Beginning in 2026, the federal estate tax exemption increases to $15 million per person ($30 million per couple). With fewer estates subject to federal tax, charitable bequests are increasingly guided by values and long-term intent rather than tax pressure.
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Retirement Accounts remain the most tax-efficient legacy gift:
Because heirs may pay income tax on inherited retirement assets while charities do not, naming KUA as a beneficiary (of any percentage) remains one of the simplest and most tax-efficient ways to make a future gift.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor to determine how these changes apply to your specific financial situation.
Join the 1813 Society
KUA’s 1813 Society celebrates leadership gifts from generous alumni, parents, and friends. Cumulative annual gifts of $1,813 and above, with a special category for young alumni, allow KUA to meet high priority needs throughout the year. The 1813 Society is a philanthropic circle that offers the following benefits:
- Public name recognition in annual honor roll of donors located in Baxter Hall
- Invitation to exclusive call with Head of School and other premier events throughout the year
- Listing in annual publications
The 1813 Society membership year begins July 1 and runs through KUA’s fiscal year end June 30.
In addition, Kimball Union Academy reserves special recognition for generous donations in the following gift levels and welcomes your participation:|
Centennial Associates
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$100,000
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Bell Tower Associates
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$50,000
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Trustees’ Guild
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$25,000
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Hilltop Circle
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$10,000
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Cornerstone Club
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$5,000
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Founders’ Club
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$1813
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1813 Society for Young Alumni:
| Classes of 2011 - 2015: |
$600 ($50/month)
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Classes of 2016- 2020:
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$300 ($25/month)
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Classes of 2021-2025:
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$120 ($10/month)
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