Planned Giving

Earlier this year, Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Office of Philanthropy welcomed Carrie Hull as its director of planned giving. With a background in wealth management, financial services and philanthropy, Hull brings with her deep experience in helping individuals and families plan their estates to support the causes that are most meaningful to them. Kennedy Krieger Magazine recently spoke with Hull to learn more about her work.

How do you describe your work?

I collaborate with donors and their full team of trusted advisors, which includes their financial advisors, accountants and estate-planning attorneys, to help them create an impactful legacy at Kennedy Krieger. As the director of planned giving, I work one on one with donors to navigate complex planned-giving vehicles that may provide tax benefits or income replacement during their retirement years. By assessing their overall financial picture, I help them plan for the future and determine the best ways they can support Kennedy Krieger while meeting retirement and estate-planning goals. I love helping people create multigenerational legacies for the causes they care about most.

How can people give to Kennedy Krieger through planned giving?

There are many different ways, so it is always best to reach out to determine what best suits your personal situation. I do like to highlight a few common ways that can provide benefits to the donor. With charitable gift annuities, and some charitable trusts, donors exchange assets for an income stream for life while possibly receiving an income tax deduction. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are a wonderful way to take advantage of an income tax reduction and involve the next generation in philanthropic giving. And the donation of appreciated assets, like stocks and real estate, can fund meaningful gifts over time and may also provide tax benefits to the donor.

I love helping people create multigenerational legacies for the causes they care about most.” – Carrie Hull

When should people start considering planned giving?

It’s important, even for younger people, to think about estate planning. A significant life change is always a cue to discuss planning with one’s family and trusted advisory team. We can explain how to make an impact with a gift that may also have benefits to the donor. We encourage donors to meet with us annually to review their philanthropy and inform us of any relevant updates to their financial, retirement and estate plans. And don’t forget to review your retirement and insurance beneficiaries periodically with your team of trusted advisors, too.

How does planned giving benefit both donors and Kennedy Krieger?

Donors may receive tax benefits and/or income for life by making a planned gift. But donors also benefit from the peace of mind and satisfaction that come from knowing they’ve put plans in place to help others in a very powerful way. These types of gifts help Kennedy Krieger plan for the future. That’s why it is so important to share your plans with us.