Skip to Content

Bequest Language

A bequest to Roger Williams University can be a powerful expression of your faith in the future of the University. A legacy gift provides significant future support to Roger Williams, while allowing you to retain the flexibility to update your plans as circumstances change. Please note your desire to include Roger Williams University or Roger Williams University School of Law in your estate plans. If you would like to join classmates and friends in the Heritage Society by making a bequest, simply include the following language in your will or trust:

"I hereby give to the Trustees of Roger Williams University (School of Law), a Rhode Island educational, charitable corporation, tax identification number 05-0277222 (School of Law 05-0465628), (hereinafter referred to as "Roger Williams"), an educational institution located in Bristol, Rhode Island, the following described property: __________

OR the sum of: __________.

OR __________ percent (_______%) of the residue of my estate.

Roger Williams University (School of Law) shall use this gift

Examples:

  • ...where the need is greatest.
  • ...to provide scholarships to worthy and needy students.
  • ...for the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business
  • ...for the School of Architecture, Art, & Historic Preservation
  • ...for the Feinstein College of Arts and Sciences
  • ...for the Marine Affairs Institute
  • ...for athletics.


Bequests may be further restricted, for example, to establish a scholarship or fellowship. All assets, including cash, securities, real estate, and tangible personal property, may be transferred to Roger Williams University (School of Law) through your estate. You may also wish to consider naming the University as the beneficiary of your qualified retirement plan, bank accounts, or a life insurance policy. These gifts may be done generally through your plan administrator or bank, and do not require an attorney's assistance.

The Office of Gift Planning staff is ready to consult with you and/or your advisor about bequests to Roger Williams University (School of Law), and to help you with any question you may have about other forms of charitable giving that may benefit you, your family, and Roger Williams.

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

Copyright , Roger Williams University • One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809
1-800-458-7144 • 401-253-1040

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to Roger Williams 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

"I give to Roger Williams University, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, or its successor thereto, ______________ [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 Roger Williams University 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 Roger Williams University 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 Roger Williams University 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 Roger Williams University where you agree to make a gift to Roger Williams University 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

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address