Planned Gifts

Alumni, parents and friends use simple gifts such as bequests in a will or trust or designate the school as a beneficiary in one of their financial instruments. Let us help you realize your legacy of giving to Catholic education. Learn how to name Notre Dame as a beneficiary of your will or revocable trust and find out how retirement plans make the most tax-efficient bequest to charity.

Beneficiary Designations
Naming our school the beneficiary of a retirement account, insurance policy, or bank or brokerage account only takes a few moments and allows flexibility if your plans change in the future.

Bequests Through a Will or Trust
One of the easiest ways to create a legacy with Notre Dame is through a bequest in your will or trust. You can leave a specific amount, percentage, or the residue of your estate.

Type of Bequests
Designating the Amount

• Residuary bequests are used to give Notre Dame all or a portion of your estate that remains after payment of expenses and specific amounts designated to other beneficiaries.
• Specific bequests are used to make a gift of a specific dollar amount or specific asset(s) (such as securities, real estate, or personal property) to Notre Dame.

Designating the Purpose

• Restricted bequests include a specific designation to support a particular program or purpose that reflects your personal interests (e.g., scholarships, teacher support or student activities).
• Unrestricted bequests do not include a specific designation so the school can direct your gift to the greatest need at the moment.

Suggested Language for Bequests
The following are examples of bequest language you can provide to your attorney. Each donor has unique interests and assets and we encourage you to consult our staff for the most appropriate version.

Percentage of estate for unrestricted purposes
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, a not-for-profit organization located in Pontiac, Michigan (“Notre Dame”), ____percent (____%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate as an unrestricted gift to be used for the general purposes of Notre Dame.”

Percentage of estate for specific purposes with an endowment provision
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, a not-for-profit organization located in Pontiac, Michigan (“Notre Dame”), ____percent (____%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to be used as I have directed, from time to time, in a separate written agreement by and between me and Notre Dame; provided, however, if no such agreement exists at the time of my death, then for its general purposes.”

Specific amount for unrestricted purposes
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, a not-for-profit organization located in Pontiac, Michigan (“Notre Dame”), the sum of $_______ in cash or in-kind as an unrestricted gift to be used for the general purposes of Notre Dame.”

Specific amount for specific purposes
“I give, devise, and bequeath to Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, a not-for-profit organization located in Pontiac, Michigan (“Notre Dame”), the sum of $_______ in cash or in-kind to be used as I have directed, from time to time, in a separate written fund agreement by and between me and Notre Dame; provided, however, if no such fund agreement exists at the time of my death, then for its general purposes.”

ENSURE YOUR WISHES ARE CARRIED OUT AS YOU INTEND
If you are considering making or have already made plans for Notre Dame in your estate, please contact a member of the Advancement staff to discuss your intentions. We can assist you and your attorney in creating a bequest that maximizes the tax advantages available to you and your heirs.

It also allows us to express our deep gratitude for your generosity and commitment to the mission of Our Lady's school and qualifies you for membership in the Heritage Circle, a giving society established to honor all those who make Notre Dame a part of their personal legacy.