Wills and Trust
Bequests from your Will or Living Trust
You can include a provision in your will or living trust by which you give Darden a specific amount or asset, or a percentage of your residuary estate.
Estate gifts have played a crucial role in the success of the University of Virginia since its founding in 1817. As state support for higher education has declined, these gifts have become even more vital.
Alumni, parents, faculty, and friends who include the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation in their wills help Darden enhance its global reputation. Their contributions support exceptional student experiences, nationally ranked programs, cutting-edge research, and opportunities for engagement and growth.
If you’re considering updating your estate plans, we encourage you to include the Darden School Foundation as a beneficiary.
How Can I Include the University of Virginia Darden School in My Will or Living Trust?
You can make a gift to Darden through your will or living trust by including specific instructions that reflect your intentions. You may choose to leave a fixed amount, a particular asset, or a percentage of your estate, and you can specify how you want your gift to be used.
Additionally, you can designate Darden as a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement account.
You might consider using the language provided below in your will. If you have a living trust, simply modify your trust language directing your trustee to make the desired distributions.
By designating your gift be for unrestricted use, you provide vital funds, allowing Darden to address its most pressing needs at the time your gift is realized.
“ give to the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the sum of $____________ [or property described herein] [or ____ percent (____%) of the rest of my estate] to be used by the Darden School Foundation in its discretion for its general purposes.
You may instead designate your gift for a specific purpose, such as a scholarship or graduate fellowship; for research support; capital improvements; or any program that captures your imagination and speaks to your passion.
I give to the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the sum of $____________ [or property described herein] [or ____ percent (____%) of the rest of my estate] to be used by ___________________ for the following purpose: _________________.
If you want your gift to benefit a particular school or program, we recommend that you ask the Darden Office of Advancement to review your provision to ensure that your wishes can be carried out.
Why Should I Include Darden in My Estate Plan?
Your gift ensures that the values and traits that define Darden will endure for generations to come. In addition, you and your estate can benefit from your gift designation. A gift through your will is:
- Comfortable
Putting your gift in your will allows you to retain your assets throughout your lifetime. - Flexible
Your gift can be directed to any Darden priority you choose. - Revocable
You may make changes to the beneficiaries of your estate throughout your lifetime. - Tax Wise
Your gift to Darden will not be subject to estate tax.
The Cornerstone Society recognizes those who are honoring the University’s future through planned gifts, including bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, and charitable trusts.
The University of Virginia Darden School Foundation does not provide legal or tax advice. We recommend that you seek your own legal and tax advice in connection with gift and planning matters. To ensure compliance with specific IRS requirements, we disclose to you that this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding tax-related penalties.