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Why We Give

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1754 Society

1754 Society members are forward-thinking alumni and friends who remember Columbia in their will, trust, or other estate plans. There is no minimum gift to become a 1754 Society member and all ages are welcome. To become a member, simply do one of the following: 

  • inform us that you have included Columbia in your will, living trust or charitable remainder trust, or other estate plan—and you don't have to tell us the size of the gift, unless you wish to document your bequest intention at Columbia. 
  • share with us that you have created a beneficiary designation for Columbia with your retirement plan, life insurance policy, bank or brokerage account, donor advised fund, or other financial plan. 
  • establish a charitable gift annuity (CGA) or charitable remainder trust (CRUT) at Columbia. 
  • tell us that you have created a CGA or CRUT at another organization and designate a portion of the residuum or remainder to benefit Columbia. 
  • designate Columbia as a recipient of a lead interest in your charitable lead trust, and tell us you did so.

By notifying us of your planned gift, you join the 1754 Society, a robust community of individuals who support Columbia through legacy giving. Your membership allows us to recognize you for your generosity and to give you special access to the unique people and experiences that Columbia offers.