Planned Giving

Heritage Society

The Heritage Society was formed to thank and recognize generous visionaries who have remembered Roberts Wesleyan University and/or Northeastern Seminary in their estate plans. To date, nearly 900 alumni and friends have become members.

These members are vital to the legacy of our University and Seminary because their planned gifts will help build a healthy, growing endowment. This endowment will ensure a sound investment in future students of the University and Seminary.

If you would like to establish a planned gift for the benefit of Roberts Wesleyan University or Northeastern Seminary, or want further information, please contact our Office of Planned Giving.

 

We would be pleased to recognize you as a member of the Heritage Society. If you have questions or are already eligible for membership, please contact Alexander Jones in the Planned Giving Office at:

Office of Planned Giving
Roberts Wesleyan University
2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624-1997
585-594-6505

Select Heritage Society to view a current list of Heritage Society members. To inquire further about the Heritage Society described above, email us at: plannedgiving@roberts.edu.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Roberts Wesleyan University a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

The official legal bequest language for Roberts Wesleyan College is: "I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to [Roberts Wesleyan University, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624-1997] [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to Roberts Wesleyan or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Roberts Wesleyan as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to Roberts Wesleyan as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Roberts Wesleyan where you agree to make a gift to Roberts Wesleyan and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

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eBrochure Request Form

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