Gift Planning

Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the University in your will or living trust as "Colgate University", Hamilton, New York." Please note: If you would like to restrict your estate provision, please contact the Office of Capital and Planned Gift Administration at Colgate for assistance with your designation (800-813-1819).

No. Many donors who establish a charitable remainder trust benefiting Colgate choose to name Colgate as trustee. In order to properly fulfill its responsibilities as trustee, Colgate has engaged the services of Kaspick and Company. Kaspick offers superb investment performance and provides timely performance and tax information—all for a fee that is generally less than that paid to a commercial trustee.

We recognize that you might wish to keep your bequest intentions confidential. If you are willing to inform us, however, knowledge of your intentions helps Colgate in its financial planning, and you would qualify for membership in the Willow Society. Colgate established the Willow Society to honor alumni and friends who have supported the University through their estate plans or with a life-income gift. For many donors a bequest offers the opportunity to make a more substantial gift than would be possible during the donor's lifetime. Other donors view a bequest as an opportunity to give a lasting legacy to Colgate. Bequests are one of the simplest forms of planned giving and have been the primary gift types for additions to Colgate's endowment.

Yes. While unrestricted gifts and bequests are especially helpful because they can be used for the highest priority at the time, you are free to designate a particular use for your gift. Any assets remaining after the lives of the designated beneficiaries are used for the purposes specified by the donor. You can have the satisfaction of supporting programs that match your interests. Contributions for endowment, for example, are always priorities, and may include student scholarships, faculty support, the library, athletics, or a specific program. We can help you determine where your gift would be most useful and are happy to discuss your special wishes and interests.

Yes. Donating appreciated assets such as securities or real estate can bring even more benefits to a donor. By giving these assets to Colgate to establish a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust, a donor can reduce capital-gain tax liability and still receive a charitable deduction and other tax and income benefits.

Please contact:

Andrew Coddington
Director of Planned Giving
315-228-6921
800-813-1819
acoddington@colgate.edu

Teresa Mathews
Associate Director of Planned Giving
315-228-6936
tmathews@colgate.edu

The discussion herein is general in nature and may not apply to all individuals. Prospective donors are urged to consult their personal tax and financial advisors concerning the specific consequences of making gifts to Colgate. We would be pleased to discuss, in confidence, ways in which you may support Colgate. These measures may also have an impact on your estate planning.