Retirement Gifts

Use Your Retirement Assets to Support Bentley University

Your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or other qualified retirement plan can provide a tax-smart way to support Bentley University — either during your lifetime or as part of your estate plan — while helping to shape the future for generations of Falcons.

A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) — sometimes called an “IRA charitable rollover” — is a powerful way to make a tax-free gift now to Bentley while satisfying your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). Donors who share their legacy plans with Bentley may also be recognized as members of the 1917 Society, honoring those who are committed to Bentley’s long-term success.

A gift of retirement plan assets may be right for you if:

  • You have an IRA or other qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b)
  • You are interested in lowering your RMD taxable income
  • You do not expect to need all of your retirement assets during your lifetime
  • You want to make a meaningful legacy gift to Bentley University
  • You are interested in tax-smart planning to transfer wealth to your loved ones
  • You are interested in receiving income for life and making a gift using your IRA

Your Options

Option 1: Make a Tax‑Free Gift Now with a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

If you are age 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a tax‑free gift directly from your IRA to Bentley University through a Qualified Charitable Distribution. (QCDs are available from IRAs only — not from 401(k) or 403(b) plans. You can convert your 401(k) and 403(b) to an IRA). 

  • Gifts must be transferred directly from your IRA administrator to Bentley 

  • In 2026, you may give up to $111,000 per person through QCDs 

  • A spouse with a separate IRA may also qualify to make a QCD 

Benefits of a QCD include: 

  • Receiving charitable tax benefits even if you do not itemize deductions 

  • Satisfying your Required Minimum Distribution and lessening your taxable income 

  • Providing immediate, support for Bentley’s students, faculty, and programs 

  • Consider your retirement account as a planned gift and join the 1917 Society 

Option 2: Name Bentley as a Beneficiary of Your Retirement Plan

Another easy and meaningful option is to designate Bentley University as the beneficiary of some or all of your remaining retirement plan assets. 

Benefits include: 

  • Your estate receives an estate tax charitable deduction for the full value of your gift 
  • Bentley receives 100% of the gift; your heirs get taxed at some of the highest tax brackets on retirement account inheritance. 
  • A Testamentary Charitable Remainder Trust is a thoughtful way to use highly taxed retirement assets for philanthropy and transferring wealth to loved ones.  
  • Recognition in Bentley’s 1917 Society, if you choose to share your plans 

Bentley’s legal name is “Bentley University,” and we are best described for legal purposes as “a Massachusetts educational corporation with a usual place of business at 175 Forest Street, Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.” 

Bentley University's Tax ID number is 04-1081650. 

Option 3: Use Retirement Assets to Fund a Life‑Income Gift

You may also direct retirement plan assets to fund a charitable remainder trust or charitable gift annuity that provides lifetime income to you. When the income period ends, the remaining assets support Bentley University. 

Benefits include: 

  • Using your taxable RMD to create a charitable gift annuity * 
  • Lifetime income or payments for you and your spouse 
  • A gift to Bentley and membership in the 1917 Society

* Not registered in all states. Contact our office to learn more about CGAs 

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.