Beneficiary Designations

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Make a Gift in a Few Easy Steps

Not everyone wants to commit to making a gift in their wills or estates. Some prefer the increased flexibility that a beneficiary designation provides by using: 

  • IRAs and retirement plans
  • Life insurance policies
  • Donor advised funds
  • Commercial annuities

It is very simple to name The Ferris Foundation as a beneficiary. Start by requesting a change-of-beneficiary form from your policy administrator or download the form from your provider's website. Make your desired changes and return the form to establish your gift.

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See How It Works

An Example of How It Works

Couples smiling Robert and Carol treasure the financial help they've been able to give their children and Ferris State University over the years. The couple recently updated their will to leave stocks and real estate to their kids. They left Ferris State University a $75,000 IRA to be transferred following their lifetime. Because Ferris State University is tax-exempt, all $75,000 will help support our mission.

If Robert and Carol had left the IRA to their children, approximately $18,000* would have gone to pay federal income taxes—leaving only $57,000 for their family's use. Robert and Carol are happy knowing they are making the most of their hard-earned money thanks to their updated estate plan.

*Based on an assumption of a 24% marginal income tax bracket.

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Next Steps

  1. Contact the administrator of your retirement plan, insurance policy or bank account for a change-of-beneficiary form, or simply download a form from your provider's website. 
  2. Decide what percentage (1 to 100) you would like The Ferris Foundation to receive and name us, along with the percentage you chose, on the beneficiary form. Return the completed form.
  3. Contact The Ferris Foundation at (231) 591-2365 or FerrisFoundation@ferris.edu to let us know your goals for the gift so we can ensure it is used as you intend.

Legal name: The Ferris Foundation
Address: 420 Oak Street, PRK 101, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Federal tax ID number: 38-6115813

Learn More

Download our FREE guide Beneficiary Designations: Easy Ways to Leave Your Legacy.

Personal Estate Planning Kit

Our Top Free Resource

This comprehensive estate planning kit helps you protect your family and establish your legacy. FREE!

Download My Kit