Other ways to give

Both memorial and celebratory gifts to Bethlehem University can accomplish multiple goals. They can celebrate a personal milestone, honor or commemorate a loved one—and, of course, further Bethlehem University’s service to the people of the Holy Land.

Memorial Gifts

Gifts to commemorate a family member, friend, or faculty member can be designated toward any existing Bethlehem University program or fund—perhaps one to which the decedent directed gifts during his or her lifetime—or left to the discretion of Bethlehem University where the need is the greatest.

You might also choose to establish a named memorial fund or a named memorial endowed fund. For example, an endowed memorial fund with gifts of $75,000 could establish a named endowed scholarship. If you have a specific purpose in mind for the fund, you should discuss this with development staff. However, it is possible to establish a memorial fund in the name of the decedent and decide on a specific purpose at a later time. After several months, when the stream of gifts has slowed, development staff will review with the family the amount on hand, discusses the likelihood of additional gifts, and helps them choose a designated use of the fund appropriate for the gifts received and expected. If no specific designation is decided upon the fund in the name of the person being memorialized, may be used for general support of Bethlehem University.

Should you wish to include this information in an obituary, here is some sample wording:

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Bethlehem University for the [name of fund]. Checks should be payable to Bethlehem University and mailed to Bethlehem University Foundation,P.O. Box 3556001, Ammendale Road, Suite 200, Beltsville, MD  20705, USA. Please include a note stating that your gift is in memory of [name].

Celebratory gifts

Celebratory gifts to Bethlehem University can celebrate a personal milestone – such as a religious jubilee, birthday, retirement or anniversary. Consider requesting donations to Bethlehem University in lieu of gifts. Such gifts will be recorded in honor of the person being celebrated.

Just like memorial gifts, celebratory gifts – no matter their size – can be designated toward a specific Bethlehem University program or fund. Or, their use may be left to the discretion of Bethlehem University.

To set up a tribute gift program, please contact Bethlehem University Foundation at 240-241-4381

There are creative ways to support Bethlehem University in which you, your loved ones and Bethlehem University all benefit at the same time. Such a means of giving is called a planned gift, because with thoughtful planning you can create a smart financial plan and a win-win solution for you and for Bethlehem University.

For example, you can leave a legacy to Bethlehem University by bequest, trust, or retirement plan. These gifts help reduce your taxable estate while allowing you to retain full control of your assets throughout your lifetime. A gift through your estate ensures that your commitment to Bethlehem University will continue beyond your lifetime, creating a lasting impact for Bethlehem University and its students.

The following options are for informational purposes only, specifically regarding regulations within the United States. For information in your country, please consult a local financial planner or attorney.

Through your estate, you can leave a lasting legacy to support the work of Bethlehem University as an “oasis of peace” and “beacon of hope” in the Holy Land. Please let us know if you have included Bethlehem University in your estate plans so that we may acknowledge your generosity.

To make an estate gift, your attorney can draft a statement in your will conveying your desire to:

Give the Entire Residue of your Estate: I give the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, after the payment of all expenses, taxes, and debts, to Bethlehem University Foundation presently located at P.O. Box 355, 6001 Ammendale Road, Suite 200, Beltsville, MD 20705.

Give a Fraction of your Estate: I give Bethlehem University Foundation _____ % (fraction spelled out) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, after payment of all specified bequests, expenses, taxes, and debts, to Bethlehem University Foundation presently located at P.O. Box 355, 6001 Ammendale Road, Suite 200, Beltsville, MD 20705.

Give a Specific Amount of your Estate: I give $ _____ (number spelled out) to Bethlehem University Foundation presently located at P.O. Box 355, 6001 Ammendale Road, Suite 200, Beltsville, MD 20705.

Give a Contingent Amount:  If none of the persons I have identified above as beneficiaries of my estate survive me, I give the rest, residue, and remainder to Bethlehem University Foundation presently located at P.O. Box 355, 6001 Ammendale Road, Suite 200, Beltsville, MD 20705.

A life insurance policy may be an attractive asset with which you can help Bethlehem University, especially if the need for the original insurance purchase is no longer necessary.

Name Bethlehem University as the Beneficiary of the Policy

Naming Bethlehem University as the primary or contingent beneficiary of your life insurance policy will allow your estate a charitable estate tax deduction for the proceeds of the policy. If you retain any control over the policy, no income tax deduction is allowed; however, if Bethlehem University is named both the sole owner and beneficiary of a paid-up policy, you may receive an immediate charitable deduction for the lesser of the policy’s fair market value or the net premiums paid. Additional premiums that you pay may also be tax deductible. Speak with your insurance agent for a beneficiary designation that will allow you to name Bethlehem University as the beneficiary of all or a portion of the insurance policy proceeds.

Name Bethlehem University as the Owner and the Beneficiary of the Policy

Naming Bethlehem University as the Owner and the Beneficiary of the Policy will generate a charitable income tax deduction for the value of the policy on the date it is transferred to Bethlehem University. Contact your financial planner to determine the benefits this type of gift might have for you.

Naming Bethlehem University as a beneficiary of your IRA or Retirement Plan

Most retirement assets, including 401(k)s and IRAs, are income tax-deferred, meaning that income tax is not paid until the funds are distributed to you in life, or upon your death. This taxation makes retirement assets among the most costly assets to distribute to loved ones.

When retirement assets pass to heirs, they can lose up to 85 percent of their value to estate, gift, and income taxes. If you designate them to Bethlehem University, they are not taxed, and their full value supports the purpose you choose. Thus, giving retirement assets magnifies your impact without costing your heirs.

To name or change a primary or contingent beneficiary, simply contact the administrator of the IRA or retirement plan for a change of beneficiary form. If you would like to name Bethlehem University as beneficiary, decide what percentage of the plan’s value (0-100 percent) will be dedicated and return the form to the administrator of the plan.

To learn more, please contact Br. Dominic Smith, FSC at  brds@bufusa.org or by calling 240-241-4381.