Understanding Philanthropy: Getting Creative with Planned Giving

Through creative gift planning and deep care for New Hampton School, Trustee Alicia Burrows ’00 was able to make a provision for New Hampton School to ensure her legacy of giving to the school she cares so much about is preserved in perpetuity. Below, we had the opportunity to hear directly from Alicia as to why she gives and what matters most to her and her family.

1. Where did you learn about philanthropy and giving back to causes that matter to you?

I learned about philanthropy and giving back to causes that matter to me from both my grandmother and my great uncle. They showed me the importance of giving back by being involved in their communities. My grandmother volunteered a considerable amount of time volunteering at the local catholic food pantry and thrift store. After retiring from the Army, my great uncle moved back to his home town and gave back by serving on the town board. Both of them encouraged me to share my time and efforts by investing in my community.

2. What does New Hampton School mean to you? What do you think is special about this community?

New Hampton School, to me, is home. To be fair, since I was a day student, it actually is really close geographically to where I grew up in Meredith. But it’s more than that. The community was like a second family to me while I was in school. And it still feels that way every time I go back to visit campus. I think the people are what make New Hampton School special.

3. Why do/did you choose to make New Hampton School a philanthropic priority? Tell us about the moment you knew you would make this commitment.

New Hampton School is my number one philanthropic priority. I made this decision while in college. Even when I could only spare twenty-five dollars, I made a point to contribute to the annual fund. I wanted to give back to the school because it had such a profound impact on my life.

4. What was it about the particular area you are allocating your donation to that inspired you to give? Tell us why this opportunity was important for you at this time.

I purposefully choose to give unrestricted so the dollars may be best allocated based on the school’s need. I want to give the school the maximum flexibility based on priorities.

5. What are you hoping to accomplish through your philanthropy to New Hampton School?

First, I want to ensure that future New Hampton School students have the opportunity to experience it like I did. I would not have been able to attend without financial aid. By making a planned gift to support the endowment, I can help ensure opportunities for students in similar circumstance. Second, my wife Allie and I have had many conversations about establishing a family legacy that reflects our values and passions. Just like my grandmother and great uncle influenced me, we hope to influence our daughter, Theia, to give back to causes that are close to her heart.

6. What would you like to convey to other parents and alumni considering philanthropic support of New Hampton School?

You don’t have to be extremely wealthy to make a planned gift and you don’t have to be retired.

7. The school celebrates its Bicentennial this year. What are your hopes for the school for the next 200 years?

I hope New Hampton School continues its legacy of facilitating personal growth and academic learning in a supportive environment. I hope that with the financial help of my family, and many others, the School will fulfill its vision of empowering students to solve the world’s toughest challenges.

Alicia Burrows ’00 has served on the New Hampton School Board of Trustees since 2011. She holds a bachelor of arts from Colby College, an MBA from the College of William and Mary, and a Master’s in Military Arts and Sciences from Command and General Staff College. Burrows is currently serving in the United States Army.

Did you know? Many financial advisors are notifying their clients of potential double, or even triple, taxation that IRAs and other qualified retirement plans left to heirs may be subject to.

Between federal income taxes, state income taxes, and possible state inheritance taxes, retirement plans can prove to be problematic for your children and non-spousal heirs. For that reason, many people are choosing philanthropy as their hard-earned assets’ beneficiary.

Visit: newhampton.org/plannedgiving to learn about the ways in which you may be able to leave a lasting legacy at New Hampton School while protecting your family. For more information, or to learn about ways you can leave your legacy, please contact the Advancement Office at development@newhampton.org or 603-677-3413.