A Simple Legacy Gift

Years of attending Lunch at the Forum has taught me that T&G members are thoughtful and intentional when asking questions. You seek answers. But how do you find the answer when you don’t know the question?

That is where the Office of Legacy Planning can help. While there are numerous ways to create a legacy gift, many people primarily consider gifts in their trust or will because they don’t know what other options they have. So, I am going to provide you with both a question and an answer.

What is the easiest way to create a legacy gift?

While all legacy gifts are impactful, a beneficiary designation is the simplest way create a legacy gift. By designating T&G as a partial or full beneficiary of a retirement, investment or bank account, donor-advised fund or life insurance policy, you can make a meaningful difference to future Chapman students.

Because a beneficiary designation does not require an attorney, it is easy and free to update. It provides flexibility during your lifetime, as you can take distributions or withdrawals from your retirement, investment or bank account and continue to freely use your account. Additionally, these assets are often quite taxable to beneficiaries (except qualified nonprofits), so giving to T&G through a beneficiary designation could provide your loved ones with tax savings and a larger inheritance.

How it works

  1. Request a new beneficiary designation form. Many of them can be filled out online.
  2. Complete and return the form. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
  3. Let Legacy Planning know so that we can celebrate your generosity and document your gift intentions for T&G.
  4. Share your plans and inspire others!

Town & Gown Legacy Circle

These T&G members have been inspired to create a legacy gift to support Chapman University’s Town & Gown.

TG Legacy Dinner

Members of Town & Gown Legacy Circle Members with 2023-24 T&G Scholarship Recipient Anthony Gabra

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Whether it’s a gift through a beneficiary designation, will, living trust, charitable trust, gift annuity or life insurance policy, legacy gifts provide a solid foundation for Chapman and future generations of Panthers. To discuss your T&G legacy, contact us:

You can also take advantage of our many helpful resources, such as our free Planning Your Legacy guide, by visiting Chapman.edu/legacy.