Legacy-giving from the USA

View through gate and successive archways US tax payers can support Downing College through an estate plan via Cambridge in America (CAm). For many donors, a bequest made under a will is the easiest way to make a significant gift to Cambridge.

These charitable gifts are 100% deductible from your taxable estate and may be designed when you create a new will and/or when you add a codicil to your existing will. Bequests may be in the form of cash, securities, real estate, tangible personal property or other assets. To ensure that your exact wishes are implemented, Cambridge in America suggests that you seek the advice of counsel when preparing your will or codicil.

Under its charter and in accordance with US tax law, Cambridge in America may not receive restricted gifts. However, the Board gives every consideration to donors’ requests when allocating gifts to Cambridge and its Colleges.

Suggested language to include Cambridge in America in your will for a specific bequest

“I bequeath to Cambridge in America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the District of Columbia with the business address of 1120 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036, the sum of ________ [dollars or percentage of estate], to be used exclusively for its charitable purposes. It is my hope that these funds will be utilized for the support of The Master, Fellows, and Scholars of Downing College in the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (Registered UK Charity number 1137455).”

You can also make tax-efficient gifts using your retirement assets, a life insurance policy or a life income gift such as a Charitable Remainder Trust or a Charitable Lead Trust.

Please consult your tax advisor as to which planned gift programme best meets your financial and philanthropic goals.

If you would like to see our legacy brochure, please click here, or if you would like to discuss leaving a legacy to the College, please contact Susan Esden, Senior Development Manager by email at sal53@cam.ac.uk or by telephone on 01223 334825.