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If you are passionate about Northwestern and its future, a beneficiary designation is a simple and impactful gift for you to consider. With this type of gift, you designate Northwestern as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, IRA, life insurance policy, donor-advised fund, or commercial annuities. At the end of your lifetime, the assets you designate pass to the University.
To designate Northwestern as the beneficiary of a retirement or other account, simply contact your account administrator (or access your account online) to obtain a beneficiary designation form. Then, name the University as a beneficiary. The form you complete is separate from your will or trust. Once you have taken this step, please notify our Gift Planning team. We would like to honor and steward your commitment, while also ensuring that your specific wishes are documented during your lifetime.
Not only is this an easy way to give, but it is also flexible—you are not locked into the choices you make today. You can review and adjust beneficiary designations at any time.
Access a short video to learn more about beneficiary designations.
Download our guide Beneficiary Designations: Easy Ways to Leave Your Legacy.
When Martha and her mother attended Northwestern, the School of Education and Social Policy was a traditional school of education focused primarily on school-based learning and teacher training. Today, it has transformed into a school with an expanded mission, innovative programs, and far-reaching impact. In gratitude for the transformative nature of both her mother’s education and her own, Martha elected to designate SESP as a beneficiary of her retirement plan.
This comprehensive estate planning kit helps you protect your family and establish your legacy. FREE!
Download My KitThis comprehensive estate planning kit helps you protect your family and establish your legacy. FREE!
Download My Kit