fountain pen on paper

Planned Giving

Bequests from Last Will & Testament

A bequest to Columbia State Community College Foundation makes possible your desire to impact lives well into the future while having the potential to be a financial benefit to you and your heirs.

Language for Bequests

These are examples that may be used, but we recommend that you work with your attorney to refine the specific language to meet your desires and applicable laws.
  • Specific Bequest Language

Naming Columbia State Community College Foundation as a beneficiary of a specific amount from your estate is easy:

I give and devise to Columbia State Community College Foundation, located in Columbia, Tennessee, the sum of $___________ to be used for __________________________________.

  • Residual Bequest Language

A residual bequest comes to us after your estate expenses and specific bequests are paid:

I give and devise to Columbia State Community College Foundation, located in Columbia, Tennessee, all (or a percentage) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for ____________________.

  • Contingent Bequest Language
The Columbia State Community College Foundation can be named as a contingent beneficiary in your will or personal trust if one or more of your specific bequests cannot be fulfilled:


If (insert name) is not living at the time of my demise, I give and devise to Columbia State Community College Foundation, located in Columbia, Tennessee, the sum of $ _______ (or all or a percentage of the residue of my estate) to be used for its support Scholarship Endowment for _________________________________.

  • Retirement Plan Beneficiary Language

You may name Columbia State Community College Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA or other qualified retirement benefits. Donors should consult with their tax advisor regarding the tax benefits of your gift.

Naming Columbia State Community College Foundation as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan asset such as a 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Keogh or profit sharing pension plan will accomplish a charitable goal while realizing significant tax savings. It can be costly to pass such assets on to heirs because of heavy tax consequences. By naming Columbia State Community College Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, the donor maintains complete control over the asset while living, but at the donor's death the plan passes to support Columbia State Community College Foundation free of both estate and income taxes.

Making a charitable gift from your retirement plan is easy and should not cost you any attorney fees. Simply request a change of beneficiary form from your plan administrator. When you are done, please return the form to your plan administrator and notify Columbia State Community College Foundation.  We can also assist you with the proper language for your beneficiary designation to Columbia State Community College Foundation.

Please complete the Planned Gift Form.

The planned giving form is to make Columbia State aware of your intentions to support Columbia State in the future. It is not a binding agreement, but allows us to thank you and prepare to carry out the intent of your planned gift.