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Gift Planning

Planned Giving

Find out what types of assets make the best planned gifts. Learn about gifts of cash, securities and property.

Bob and Mary Are Giving Smarter and Achieving Their Dreams...Find Out How You Can Too!

Couple posing with two dogs

Bob and Mary first met at Two-Bit Flicks, a 25-cent movie night held on Fridays in Brighton Lecture Hall. When the spring formal hosted by the women's dorm came around, Mary asked Bob to go with her. It was their first "official" date.


The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Or in Bob and Mary's case, it is natural history. That's because Emporia State also introduced them to a lifelong passion for the natural sciences.


Bob and Mary feel Emporia State was the catalyst for the life they've built together. Mary became a science educator for 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grade students. Bob founded and served as director of the Great Plains Nature Center and became a renowned nature photographer.


Now they want others to have the same opportunity they did. They want to help students come to ESU and discover a passion they can follow for the rest of their lives.


Bob and Mary found a simple and easy way to achieve this dream. When they set up their trust, they named Emporia State as a beneficiary.


What's your dream?


Learn how easy it is to make your dream a reality by naming Emporia State University in your will or trust. Contact Angela Fullen, Director of Planned Giving at the Emporia State University Foundation. She can answer your questions or help you get started. If you have already named Emporia State in your will or trust, let us know. We will make sure your gift does everything you want it to do.


"I would encourage anyone, if they are thinking about doing something like this, to contact the Foundation. For us, it has been a great experience." - Mary Butel


Getting Started is Easy

Not sure how to take the first step? We've got just the thing you need. Download your free Will and Estate Planning Guide. This guide is an easy way to get started on, or update, your estate plan. It will help you explore your options at your own pace. It's free, easy and yours to keep.


Download your copy today or contact Angela Fullen to request a printed copy.



Image of Angela Fullen

Angela Fullen
Director of Planned Giving
Telephone: 620-341-6465
[email protected]

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Tuesday May 14, 2024

Savvy Living

Savvy Senior

Home Sharing: A Growing Trend Among Homeowners

I recently came across information regarding home sharing programs for homeowners and would like to learn more. I am in my late 60's and interested in renting out a room in my house for extra income. What information can you share?

Because of inflation and rising housing costs, a growing number of homeowners are opting to rent out a spare room in their house as a way to generate some extra income and increase companionship. To find a good fit, homeowners often turn to "home sharing programs" that will match them with someone needing affordable housing.

Be aware that home sharing is not for everyone. Carefully consider the pros and cons of renting out a spare room in your house and make a list of what you want and do not want in a housemate.

You may want to search for information on the internet to help develop your understanding of the home sharing concept. Many websites offer various articles, online lessons and books that can help determine if this is a good option for you.

Home Sharing Tools


If you decide to proceed in finding a renter, a good first step is to seek out a home sharing program in your area.

Home sharing programs, usually nonprofits, screen both homeowners and renters. They check references, handle background checks and consider lifestyle criteria when making matches. They can also help with the leasing agreement that the renter would sign which covers detailed issues such as smoking, pets, chores, overnight guests, use of common rooms and quiet hours.

Most home sharing programs are free to use, and some may charge the homeowner and potential renter a fee to use their services. Use your preferred search engine to locate home sharing programs in your area.

If you do not find a program that serves your area, you can also search for housemates through online home sharing services. Some of the house sharing websites cater to specific age demographics. You may want to find a program that matches young renters with older adults looking to supplement their incomes and share their space.

If you do not have any luck with home sharing sites, contact your Area Agency on Aging. Your local Agency may be able to offer assistance or refer you to local agencies or nonprofit organizations that offer shared housing help.

You can also check with your local community center or place of worship to see if you can post an ad on their bulletin board or in their newsletter. You may want to advertise in your local newspaper or in online rental sites.

If you find someone on your own that you are interested in renting to, have the prospective renter fill out a rental application and ask for references. You can find free rental applications online. It is recommended to run a tenant screening and background check and call the references prior to deciding.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Published October 28, 2022

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