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University of Southern California

Gift in Your Will or Living Trust

Deepen Your Connections

You want to leave money to University of Southern California in your will. You also want the flexibility to change your will in the event that life circumstances change. You can do both.

In as little as one sentence, you can complete your gift. This type of donation to USC in your will or living trust helps ensure that we continue our mission for years to come.

Language for Including USC in your Will or Living Trust

"I hereby give to the University of Southern California, a California not-for-profit corporation, with its principal place of business at Los Angeles, California:
the sum of $________________ [amount] AND/OR the following described property: ________________ [description] AND/OR ________% [percent] of the residue of my estate. This gift is for the unrestricted use of the university. OR this gift is designated for ___________________ [describe purposes such as scholarships, faculty support, equipment, athletics, etc. and/or any specific school at USC, if you wish]."

See How It Works

Watch how it works

How It Works

Young family with kids When Tom and Martha got married and created a will, they included a $75,000 gift to USC. As the family grew to include three children, Tom and Martha decided to revise their gift to ensure their children's future financial security.

They met with their attorney and revised the gift language so that USC received a percentage of their estate, instead of a specific amount. Tom and Martha are rest assured knowing their plans will provide for the people and charitable work they love.

Start Today

View and download your complimentary copy of A Guide to Making Your Will.

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Gifts That Pay

Your payments depend on your age at the time of your gift. If you are younger than 60, we recommend that you learn more about your options and download this complimentary guide Plan for Retirement With a Deferred Gift Annuity.

Next Steps

  1. Contact The Office of Gift Planning at (213) 740-2682 or giftplanning@usc.edu for additional information on bequests or to chat more about the different options for including USC in your will or estate plan.
  2. Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
  3. If you include USC in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID.

Legal Name: University of Southern California, a California not-for-profit corporation, with its principal place of business at Los Angeles, California.
Address: 3551 Trousdale Parkway, Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90089
Federal Tax ID Number: 95-1642394

USC Office of Gift Planning

Personal Estate Planning Kit

Not Sure How to Begin Planning?

Download our booklet

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to University of Southern California a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

"I hereby give to the University of Southern California, a California not-for-profit corporation, with its principal place of business at Los Angeles, California:

the sum of $________________ [amount] AND/OR the following described property: ________________ [description] AND/OR ________% [percent] of the residue of my estate. This gift is for the unrestricted use of the university. OR this gift is designated for ___________________ [describe purposes such as scholarships, faculty support, equipment, athletics, etc. and/or any specific school at USC, if you wish]." 

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to USC or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to USC as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to USC as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and USC where you agree to make a gift to USC and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.
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