Make us a beneficiary of your IRA or other “non-probate” assets
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 Crest Mountain University as a beneficiary can have a big impact and may avoid unwanted taxes for your heirs.

Charitable benefits

Common gifted assets for beneficiaries
- IRA
- 401(k)
- Life insurance
- Joint real estate
- Joint bank accounts
- Joint property ownership
Designate Crest Mountain University 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 fuel Crest Mountain’s mission
Planned gifts play a vital role in advancing Crest Mountain’s mission. These contributions ensure our ability to invest in academic programs, scholarships, infrastructure, and research initiatives that benefit students and faculty. By leaving planned gifts, donors leave a lasting legacy that supports our commitment to educational excellence and empowers future generations to pursue their academic and personal aspirations.

My experience at Crest Mountain has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for the education, opportunities, and lifelong friendships I gained there. Leaving a gift in my will to support the university’s mission was my way of giving back and ensuring that future generations can benefit from the same transformative experience that I had.
Liam H.
Planned gift donor

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.
Name: John Doe
Title :Senior Manager of Planned Giving
Phone: 212-555-5555
Email: jdoe@crestmountain.edu
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know
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!).
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.
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.