Philanthropy Strengthens Our School and Our Community
Leave a Legacy at Birches
Planned gifts are one of the most meaningful ways to ensure Birches thrives for generations to come. By including our school in your estate plans, retirement assets, or life insurance policy, you create a lasting impact on students, families, and our community. Planned giving also offers significant tax advantages and allows you to support Birches at a level that might not be possible through annual gifts alone. Whether you're just beginning to think about your legacy or ready to finalize your plans, we're here to guide you through the process with care and confidentiality.
Estate Plans & Bequests
Including Birches in your will or living trust is one of the simplest ways to make a lasting gift. A bequest can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a gift of assets such as property or securities. Many donors find comfort in knowing their values will continue to shape young lives long after they're gone.
Bequests are flexible. You can direct your gift to the Annual Fund, financial aid, or leave it unrestricted to meet the school's greatest needs. Your estate may also benefit from significant tax deductions.
Sample bequest language is available upon request. To discuss your plans or let us know you've included Birches in your estate, please contact michael.whyte@birchesschool.org our Director of Finance.
Retirement Assets
Naming Birches as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account is a tax-smart way to leave a legacy. Retirement assets are often subject to heavy taxation when passed to heirs, but when left to a nonprofit like Birches, they transfer tax-free, maximizing the impact of your gift.
Designating Birches as a beneficiary is straightforward and can usually be done directly through your plan administrator. You retain full control of your assets during your lifetime and can modify your beneficiary designation at any time.
To explore this option or get started, please reach out to michael.whyte@bircheeschool.org our Director of Finance. We're happy to provide the information your plan administrator will need.
Life Insurance
Donating a life insurance policy, whether paid-up or still active, can be a powerful way to support Birches. You can name Birches as a primary or secondary beneficiary, or transfer ownership of an existing policy to the school and receive an immediate tax deduction for the policy's value.
This option works especially well for policies you no longer need or that have fulfilled their original purpose. It allows you to make a substantial gift at relatively low cost while potentially receiving current tax benefits.
Interested in learning more? Contact michael.whyte@birchesschool.org our Director of Finance to discuss how a life insurance gift might fit into your philanthropic goals.