A Gift in Your Will: Getting Started
We hope you'll consider including a gift to the Florida State University Foundation in your will or living trust. Called a charitable bequest, this type of gift offers these main benefits:
- Simplicity. Just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. The official legal bequest language for the Florida State University Foundation is:
"I give, devise, and bequeath (insert dollar amount or percent of estate) to the Florida State University Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida and having an office at Tallahassee, Florida or its successor organization. Said Foundation is the legal entity designated by the Florida State University to receive, on its behalf, charitable gifts for the support of its academic mission. It is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (D#59-6152180) and contributions to it are deductible under the provisions of federal income, gift and estate tax laws.
The Florida State University Foundation, Inc. is instructed to apply for and to take maximum advantage of all State of Florida matching fund programs in existence at my death for which this gift may qualify, including programs not in effect at the time of execution of this Will and Testament. I recognize that the Florida State University Foundation, Inc. cannot warrant State of Florida matching funds in future years."
Note: Many of our donors choose to restrict their bequest commitment to a particular college or program within the University. Please let us know if you'd like to restrict your gift further and we can help you craft language that appropriately reflects your wishes. We can be reached at 850-644-0753 or plannedgiving@foundation.fsu.edu.
- Flexibility. Because you are not actually making a gift until after your lifetime, you can change your mind at any time.
- Versatility. You can structure the bequest to leave a specific item or amount of money, make the gift contingent on certain events, or leave a percentage of your estate to us.
- Tax Relief. If your estate is subject to estate tax, your gift is entitled to an estate tax charitable deduction for the gift's full value.
Your circumstances may change and you can change your gift at any time.
How It Works
To make a charitable bequest, you need a current will or revocable living trust.
Your gift can be made as a percentage of your estate. Or you can make a specific bequest by giving a certain amount of cash, securities or property. After your lifetime, the Florida State University Foundation receives your gift.
Charitable Bequest
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Create a will or trust leaving part of your estate to family and part to the Florida State University Foundation.
Florida State University Foundation
Putting Your Family First
When planning a future gift, it's sometimes difficult to determine what size donation will make sense. Emergencies happen, and you need to make sure your family is financially taken care of first. Including a bequest of a percentage of your estate ensures that your gift will remain proportionate no matter how your estate's value fluctuates over the years.
We Can Help
Contact The Office of Planned Giving at (850) 644-0753 or plannedgiving@foundation.fsu.edu with any questions about naming the Florida State University Foundation in your will or living trust. We're happy to help, without obligation.
Copyright © The Stelter Company, All rights reserved.
The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes apply to federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.
