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A bequest through your will or trust can provide a very important gift in support of the educational mission of Western New England University. Bequests are the most common type of planned gift and allow donors to retain control of their assets for their own needs. The beneficiary designations in a will or revocable trust, as well as the specific gift amounts and types, can be changed by donors at any time during their lives. Charitable gifts through your of this type often reduce the size of your estate. This can result in estate tax savings, both at the federal and state levels, if your net worth is above the current estate tax exemption limit.

Specific Bequest:

"I give to Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, its successors and assigns, the sum of $ [or specify a percent of your estate, or describe a specific piece of property] to be used for the University's general purposes."

Residuary Bequest:

"I give the residue of my estate [or specify a portion of your estate], both real and personal, to Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, its successors and assigns, to be used for the University's general purposes."

Contingent Bequest:

"If any of the above named beneficiaries should predecease me or disclaim any interest in [describe property], I give to Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts, its successors and assigns, all the property, both real and personal, which said beneficiary or beneficiaries would have received had they survived me to be used for the University's general purposes."

The correct tax identification number for the University is 042108376. For each type of bequest described above, if you wish to specify that it be designated for a certain purpose please contact us when considering drafting your documents. This will help ensure that the University will be able to make use of the gift in the way you envision.

For planning and writing your will or trust documents, the services of an attorney who is experienced in estate planning is highly recommended. For all matters concerning estate planning, please consult with your estate and tax advisors.