Retirement Assets
One of the Easiest Ways to Create a Lasting Bentley Legacy
Your retirement accounts represent years of planning, discipline, and achievement. They can also become a powerful investment in the future—helping Bentley prepare the next generation of business leaders who will lead with purpose, innovation, and integrity.
Whether you choose to make a gift today or include Bentley in your future plans, retirement assets can offer a flexible and tax-efficient way to support the university and the opportunities that transform students’ lives.
Many donors who share their plans with Bentley become members of the 1917 Society, joining a community of alumni and friends whose foresight and generosity help strengthen the university for generations to come.
Is a Retirement Gift Right for You?
You may wish to consider a gift from your retirement assets if you:
- Want to make a meaningful impact at Bentley without affecting your current lifestyle.
- Are looking for tax-wise charitable giving opportunities.
- Have retirement assets that may exceed your future needs.
- Want to support scholarships, academic innovation, student success, or Bentley’s highest priorities.
- Hope to create a legacy that reflects your personal connection to Bentley and its mission.
Your Options
If you are age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a gift directly from your IRA to Bentley through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your required minimum distribution (RMD).
Many alumni choose this option because it allows them to see their philanthropy at work today—supporting student scholarships, faculty excellence, career readiness programs, and the hands-on learning experiences that distinguish a Bentley education.
A QCD may also help satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution while potentially reducing taxable income.
For donors who want to make an immediate difference, it can be one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to support Bentley.
One of the most meaningful gifts can also be one of the easiest to arrange.
By naming Bentley University as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or other retirement account, you can create a future gift without changing your current financial plans. You retain complete control of your assets during your lifetime, and your designation can be updated whenever your circumstances change.
A beneficiary designation is often chosen by alumni and friends who want their success to create opportunities for future generations of Bentley students.
Your gift can support a specific program, scholarship, or area that reflects your passions—or provide flexible resources that help Bentley meet emerging opportunities and challenges.
Naming Bentley as Beneficiary includes you in the 1917 Society
Alumni and friends who share their legacy plans with Bentley may be recognized through membership in the 1917 Society—a community of thoughtful supporters whose commitment helps secure Bentley’s future and inspires others to do the same.
Your legacy is more than a gift. It is a vote of confidence in Bentley’s future and in the students who will shape the future of good business—and the world.
Some donors choose to use retirement assets as part of a plan that provides income during their lifetime while creating a future gift for Bentley.
Through options such as charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts, you may be able to convert retirement assets into payments for yourself or loved ones while ultimately supporting the university.
These arrangements can help you achieve personal financial goals while ensuring that your values—and your commitment to education—continue to make a difference long into the future.
Start the Conversation
We’re here to help — please don’t hesitate to call us at 781-891-2475 to speak with a member of the Gift Planning Team.