There are several easy ways to make an impactful gift that not only will help Bennington College patients, but could help you, your estate, and your heirs. Here are some of the most popular:
GIFTS BY BEQUEST
A bequest is perhaps the easiest and most flexible way to have a lasting impact on Bennington. You can name us as a beneficiary in your will or living trust, designating the gift of a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate once all of your other bequests have been fulfilled.
With a bequest you maintain complete control of your assets during your lifetime, and can save on income taxes, capital gains taxes, and estate taxes.
Click here to learn more about gifts by will.
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
It’s as simple as requesting a change of beneficiary form from the company holding your assets (for example, your IRAs, 401(k) and other retirement plans, bank accounts, commercial annuities, life insurance policies, and other assets) and including Bennington as a full or partial beneficiary. Benenifcary Designation will reduce income taxes and possibly estate taxes for your loved ones.
Click here to learn more about gifts by Beneficiary Designation.
GIFTS OF RETIREMENT ASSETS
Retirement assets, such as a 401(k) or an IRA are a terrific way to make a tax-wise gift to Bennington. If you are 70 1⁄2 or older you can rollover up to $100,000 per year from your IRA as a charitable gift. Tell your IRA administrator to transfer your gift directly to Bennington from your traditional or Roth IRA account. The gift will not be taxed as income to you.
Click here to learn more about giving with your retirement assets.
LIFE INCOME GIFTS
Your gift to Bennington can also be designed to pay you income for life. This “life income gift” is a popular way that both you and Bennington can benefit. We agree to pay a fixed payment to you for life with the remainder benefiting Bennington. This type of gift is particularly attractive because you often can reduce taxes, increase your spendable income and, at the same time, make a gift that will have a substantial impact on our future. You benefit now and we benefit later.
Click here to learn more about gifts that pay you back.
We look forward to working with you and your advisors to ensure that your gift will become an enduring and meaningful legacy for many years to come. If you have questions about making a Legacy Gift or other estate planning questions, please contact Contact Name, contact title at 800-598-2979 or email silolegacysociety@bennington.edu.
