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Make us a beneficiary of your IRA or other “non-probate” assets

Plan your beneficiaries

Why beneficiary designations are so powerful

Assets not included in your will are called non-probate assets. Examples are 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies, and other accounts. Designating the West Virginia State University Foundation as a beneficiary can have a big impact and may avoid unwanted taxes for your heirs.

Charitable benefits

Receive an estate tax charitable deduction
Reduce the burden of taxes on your family
Continue to use assets or property during your lifetime
Leave a lasting legacy to West Virginia State University Foundation

Common gifted assets for beneficiaries

  • IRA
  • 401(k)
  • Life insurance
  • Joint real estate
  • Joint bank accounts
  • Joint property ownership

Designate West Virginia State University Foundation as a beneficiary to one or more of your accounts.

We have partnered with FreeWill to offer this free online platform that will walk you through the process of setting up your beneficiaries. These gifts have a big impact and can often prevent unwanted taxation.


Planned giving helps make a difference for WVSU

A gift in your will creates a foundation for the future. Our work today is important, but it is equally, if not more important, to ensure that WVSU can continue to provide exceptional education and the resources to achieve anything we set our minds to.

Fred Thomas

Fred D. Thomas Jr., ‘50

Fred D. Thomas Jr., ‘50 graduated from West Virginia State College with a bachelor’s degree in biology. After earning a graduate degree in education, he went on to serve as a middle school science teacher and curriculum coordinator for 35 years.

As a way to give back to his alma mater, Fred made a planned gift commitment to establish a learning center that bears his name. Fred’s generosity will help ensure that future generations of Yellow Jackets studying to be teachers have access to the latest high-tech tools while learning to lead the nation’s classrooms.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

A non-probate asset is an account or other asset that won’t be governed by the decisions you make in a will. Instead, these accounts commonly have an assigned beneficiary that you choose. Types of non-probate assets include many retirement accounts, life insurance, some bank accounts and some assets (like a house or vehicle) that you jointly own with another person.

The most commonly gifted non-probate asset is an IRA or 401(k). This is because these accounts are always taxed (even for people below the estate tax threshold). Giving these accounts to charity keeps your heirs from having to pay unexpected taxes.

Yes! Even if you have a will in place you still need to designate beneficiaries for your non-probate assets.

Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.

No. You can usually make these easily and at no cost to you. 

Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.

We’re here to help you meet your goals!

Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.

Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know

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More ways to make an impact

Gifts in a will or trust

Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will (for free!).

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Popular tax-smart gifts

Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.

Learn more

Gifts that pay you back

Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.

Learn more