Planned Giving and Bequests

Planned gifts, such as bequests or charitable trusts, can be a strategic and advantageous way to provide for a future gift to charity.

What is “planned giving”?

Planned giving involves providing for a future gift to charities through your financial and estate plans. BU Law welcomes gifts made through different planned giving arrangements. Planned giving offers a number of benefits:

  • Provide lifetime income for you or your loved ones
  • Receive gift or estate tax deductions
  • Recognition and celebration of your philanthropy during your lifetime
  • Create a legacy at BU Law

Unlike gifts of cash, planned gifts typically come from assets in your estate, rather than disposable income. Access a free personal estate planning kit, our step-by-step guide to gift options, and other tools to help you explore how a planned gift can work for you.

Claflin Society

The Claflin Society pays tribute to all alumni and friends of Boston University who have provided for the University in their estate plans or through the establishment of life income gifts. The Society, founded by Elsbeth Melville (CAS’25), Dean of Women emerita, was named for Boston University founder Lee Claflin.

Since the founding of the Claflin Society in 1985, hundreds of alumni have stepped forward to join.

Benefits of Membership

  • Certificate of Appreciation signed by President Robert A. Brown
  • Invitation to an annual spring luncheon on campus
  • Invitation to an afternoon tea with First Lady, Dr. Beverly A. Brown
  • Invitation to select regional alumni events

Qualifications for Membership

Gift commitments include:

  • A bequest in a will or living trust
  • Designating Boston University the beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy
  • A charitable remainder trust
  • A charitable lead trust
  • A charitable gift annuity
  • A remainder interest gift of a home or other property

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.

To learn more about BU Law planned giving opportunities, please visit the Gift and Estate Planning website, contact the Office of Gift and Estate Planning, or email lawalum@bu.edu.

Office of Gift and Estate Planning
617-353-2254
800-645-2347
ogp@bu.edu

BU Law Esdaile Alumni Center
617-353-3118
lawalum@bu.edu