Planned Giving Guide
Gifts from Wills and Trusts:
When making a charitable gift to a nonprofit organization, it is vital the legal name of the charity, city and other identifying details be used. To name Berkshire School in your will or trust please use the following suggested language:
Residual Bequest Language A residual bequest comes to Berkshire after your estate expenses and specific bequests are paid:
I give and devise to Berkshire School, Sheffield, MA, (EIN 04-2121313) all (or state a percentage) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific fund or program).
Specific Bequest Language You can also name Berkshire as a beneficiary of a specific amount from your estate:
I give and devise to Berkshire School, Sheffield, MA, (EIN 04-2121313) the sum of $ ________________________ (or "____ shares of __________________ stock") to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific fund or program).
Contingent Bequest Language Berkshire 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 individual heir's name) is not living at the time of my passing, I give and devise Berkshire School, Sheffield, MA, (EIN 04-2121313) the sum of $ (or "all" or " ___________ percentage of the residue of my estate") to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific fund or program).
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
Berkshire School’s Broker: Charles Schwab
DTC: 0164
Attn: Myra Riiska
Phone: (413) 229-1225
Account number: 9937-1228
Tax ID Number: 04-2121313, (EIN)
Beneficiary Gifts From Retirement Plans, Life Insurance, Brokerage Accounts or Any Other Plan With a Beneficiary Designation:
Please contact your plan provider for a change of beneficiary form. Once you have filled out the form, please send a copy to Jeff Leyden, Director of Planned Giving at jleyden@berkshireschool.org
Legal name: Berkshire School
Tax ID number: 04-2121313
Address: 245 N. Undermountain Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
Note To Attorneys, Accountants, and Other Professional Advisors:
Thank you for helping your client with their charitable planning. As a professional advisor, you build your client relationships on trust and mutual respect. The same is true for our relationships with our friends and donors.
We understand that financial, philanthropic and estate goals are unique to the individual. For this reason we welcome the opportunity to assist as you incorporate your clients' philanthropic objectives into well crafted estate plans. Furthermore, we encourage prospective donors to consult with their professional advisors before making decisions based on information we provide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Jeff Leyden at 207-624-2044 or email jleyden@berkshireschool.org.
Disclosure: This information is not intended as legal advice. For more specific advice, please consult your attorney or financial advisor.