Planned Gifts
Legacy Gift — Including a legacy gift, known as a bequest, in your will or trust is a powerful way to sustain the mission of BST for future generations. If you do not have an up-to-date plan, you can use this trusted estate planning resource from our partner, FreeWill, to create your will and easily include a planned gift to the BST. FreeWill is secure, easy to use, and 100% free. Click here to get started with FreeWill.
Beneficiary Designation — If you have an IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy, or any additional accounts, these are called “non-probate assets,” and they need to be planned for separately from your will or trust. Using the online tool linked below, you can log all of your assets, name BST as a beneficiary to sustain our mission, and receive printable instructions on how to set each one up with your broker. Click here to learn more and plan your beneficiaries.
Notify BST of a Planned Gift — Have you included a gift in your will or trust to BST? Please fill out the short form linked below so we can ensure our records are up to date and thank you for your lasting commitment. Click here to notify BST.
Types of Bequests
Specific Asset or Specific Amount Bequests
Many bequests transfer a specific item to the beneficiary. “I give my car to Berkeley School of Theology.” Another common transfer via will is the gift of a specific dollar amount. “I give $1,000 to Berkeley School of Theology.”
Bequest of a Percent of the Residue
A fractional amount or percent of what is left of an estate may be transferred to BST. “I give 50% of the residue of my estate to Berkeley School of Theology.”
Undivided Percentage of Asset Bequests
You may devise an undivided percentage of a particular asset. “I give half of my home to Berkeley School of Theology.”
Gift Annuity
An agreement through which you make a gift of cash or property, and BST agrees to pay you fixed payments for the rest of your life.
Charitable Remainder Trust
You transfer cash or property to a trust that pays income for your life or a term of years. The remainder goes to Berkeley School of Theology.
Life Estate Reserved
You make a gift of your home or farm to BST and retain use of the property for your lifetime.
Retirement Assets
You leave your retirement assets to BST when you pass away. Your children save on income tax.
Bargain Sale
BST purchases your property for less than fair market value or accepts the gift of your mortgaged property.
To arrange one of these “Planned Gifts,” please call BST to speak with
Angie Barker Jackson, Vice President of Institutional Advancement
510.841.1905 ext.239
