The Cooper Institute is a chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of the relationship between living habits and health.  Established in 1970, the Institute has been housed in its own building at the north end of the Cooper Aerobics Center campus in Dallas since 1983.

The Institute is administratively and financially independent from any of the for-profit corporations bearing the Cooper name.  Accordingly, in addition to grants from federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other foundations, we must rely heavily on the steadfast generosity of our donors – our honored “Circle of Friends” who over the years have made so much possible.

While all of our “Friends” are extraordinary and give for their own personal reasons, it would be safe to say our donors are:

• Those who believe that preventing disease is as important as curing disease;
• Those who believe that it is easier to maintain good health than it is to have lost it and then have to gain it back;
• Those who agree that the science behind quality of life and functional independence as we age is a worthwhile investment;
• Those who believe that The Cooper Institute with its scientifically based research and education initiatives in preventive medicine are making a world of difference for many individuals, families and communities;
• Those who adhere to a preventive medicine prescription to maintain or regain their health - and value the Institute’s scientific role in that “life” prescription;
• Those who recognize the responsible stewardship of their gifts and the overall soundness of the Institute’s governance practices.

The Institute considers our “Circle of Friends” to be partners and goodwill ambassadors.  Not only do they give of themselves financially, but they are also the source of many of the ideas and recommendations we have implemented.

Circle of Friends - Giving Tiers

• Founders
• Benefactors
• Ambassadors
• Patrons
• Associates
• Advocates
• President's Club

LIFETIME GIVING OPPORTUNITIES:

Memorial Gift:  A donation made to honor the memory and legacy of a friend or loved one in perpetuity. A Cooper Institute Memorial wall piece is mounted in the main hallway of the Institute to honor both the deceased and those wishing to make this tribute.

Legacy Gifts:  Deferred giving or life income arrangements to benefit the recipient in the future.

Life Insurance Gift:  Gift of an existing or new policy with the Institute named as beneficiary and/or owner.  Premium payments are tax deductible, thus providing a way to make a significant gift with little expenditure.

Will or Trust Bequest: A gift named specifically in a will or trust providing an estate tax deduction for the value of the bequest while still provide for family needs first.

• Outright Bequests – you direct in your will that certain assets be transferred to the Institute in the form of cash, real estate, business interests, personal property, life insurance or other property.
• Residuary Bequests – you make a gift of all or a portion of your residual estate to the Institute and any other designated charities.
• Contingent Bequests – You make a bequest that will come to the Institute only if a specific contingency occurs, i.e. a beneficiary precedes you and the Institute is designated the contingent beneficiary.

Retirement Plan Gift:  A gift made by naming the Institute as beneficiary of a 401(k), or 403(b) individual retirement account, Keough Plan, or Roth IRA, thus preserving the plan’s value and offering tax relief to your estate.

Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust:  A trust that pays a set income to you or those you designate before the Institute receives the remainder,    providing income as well as potential tax relief to your estate.

Charitable Remainder Unitrust:  A trust that pays a variable income to you or those you name before the Institute receives the remainder, thus providing you income that could increase if the trust value increases along with possible estate tax savings.

Because many of these Legacy Giving vehicles and others not cited can become complex and must first and foremost satisfy your financial, familial and personal obligations and objectives, The Cooper Institute is partnering with The Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) as a resource to assist you in determining the most efficient and financially sound means to attaining your planned giving goals.  

Communities Foundation of Texas simplifies the gift-making process from the planning stage through to its management and administration.  It enables donors to make a gift or establish a fund with minimal legal complexity or report-making.

We are committed to remain doing what we do best, and let the Communities Foundation of Texas lend their expertise and help you find the best giving tool to suit your short and long term objectives. 

Please call our Development Office at (972) 341-3200 and after qualifying your needs, we can personally introduce you to Communities Foundation of Texas.