Planned & Legacy Giving
Leave a legacy that keeps Seattle learning
A planned gift to the Seattle Colleges Foundation costs you nothing today and can transform what’s possible for students at North, Central, and South Seattle Colleges for generations to come.
Make your impact last
Every gift begins with a choice: what do you want it to make possible, and how do you want it to work?
A legacy gift can reflect your values and help future generations of Seattle Colleges students earn a degree, learn a trade, or start over midcareer. You can support scholarships, innovative programs, strong student services, or the areas of greatest need.
You can also choose how your gift will be used. It can provide funds to put to work where and when they’re needed, or establish an endowment that the Foundation invests, spending a portion each year on the purpose you choose.
Whatever you envision, we can help you shape a gift that reflects what matters most to you.
The two most common ways to leave a legacy
Most legacy donors choose one of these. Many do so to honor a parent, a mentor, or an instructor who changed their direction.
Will or Living Trust (a bequest)
A bequest is by far the most common planned gift. You can leave a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, or a percentage of your estate — and you can name the college, program, or scholarship fund it should support.
Explore wills and trusts →
Beneficiary designations
Assets that pass outside your will — 401(k) and IRA balances, life insurance, commercial annuities — can be directed to the Foundation with a simple beneficiary form, often sparing your heirs the income tax they’d otherwise owe.
Explore beneficiary designations →
Everything, in one place
How each kind of gift works, how it affects your taxes, and what it will one day do for students. Start anywhere.
START HERE
Gift Planning At-a-GlanceSeven ways to give, side by side, with what you receive and the tax effects of each.Assets in GeneralWhy the asset you choose can matter as much as the amount.Donor StoriesMeet three donors whose plans will support Seattle Colleges students.WHAT TO GIVE
Cash & Noncash GiftsCash, appreciated stock and other property, and the tax advantages of each.Real EstateGive property outright, or make the gift and keep living in your home.Life InsuranceName the Foundation as a beneficiary, or give a policy you no longer need.Retirement PlansQualified charitable distributions from an IRA, and why retirement assets make efficient gifts.Donor Advised FundRecommend grants from your fund, or name the Foundation as its beneficiary.HOW TO GIVE
Will or Living TrustHow a bequest works — the most common planned gift.Beneficiary DesignationsName the Foundation on a retirement account, insurance policy or bank account.Charitable Remainder TrustYou or a loved one receive income from the trust; what remains becomes a gift.Charitable Lead TrustThe Foundation receives income for a set term; the assets then pass to your heirs.REFERENCE
2026 Gift Planning NewsNew 2026 deduction rules and the latest limits for IRA gifts.Common QuestionsThe questions donors ask most, with straightforward answers.Bequest LanguageReady-to-use wording your attorney can drop in.Helpful IRS InformationPublications 526, 561, 571 and Form 8283.Already included us in your plans? Please let us know.
Your legacy
A more prosperous, inclusive community starts with you
Your legacy can help shape a Seattle where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. A planned gift opens doors for smart, determined Seattle Colleges students to gain the education and skills to improve their lives — and contribute to a more sustainable future for us all.
With thoughtful planning, you can put your values into action while honoring your personal, financial and philanthropic goals. Your generosity can create opportunities that reach across our city and into generations to come.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Traci Russell, our Director of Planned Giving, can help you and your advisors explore the possibilities — in confidence, with no obligation and no pressure.
Have a specific question? See our FAQ →
© Copyright 2026 by Sharpe Group (most material). All Rights Reserved. Used by the Seattle Colleges Foundation under license.
The information here is educational and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult your own attorney, accountant or financial advisor about how any gift would affect your particular situation.