"Meeting students and seeing their progress is something I really enjoy. Hearing those stories, I know I've made a difference in their lives." Mr. Ron Krizek Alumni Parent Smeeth Society Charter Member
Estate planning is a process of planning for efficient handling of the estate in the event of death. Estate planning includes administration, disposition, and distribution of individual's property and assets.Perhaps you've already made some estate planning decisions and even have some of the pieces of your estate plan in place. But are they working together to reflect your personal values? Do you have a plan to pass on more than just your wealth, but your principles and beliefs? A planned gift to Brookfield Academy will help ensure that the principles on which the Academy was founded, and the mission that lives on today, will be carried on for generations to come.
Leave your legacy by making a gift in your will to Brookfield Academy. A bequest is one of the simplest ways to remember those you care about most. The following are special considerations when you plan a charitable bequest to help support our mission.
This is a gift for our general purposes, to be used at the discretion of our governing board. A gift like this, without conditions attached, is frequently the most useful, as it allows us to determine the wisest and most pressing need for the funds at the time of receipt.
This type of gift allows you to specify how the funds are to be used. Perhaps you have a special purpose or project in mind. If so, it's best to consult BA when you make your will to be certain your intent can be carried out.
This is a gift given "in honor of" or "in memory of" someone. We are pleased to honor your request and have many ways to grant appropriate recognition.
"Having six grandchildren attend BA and having been part of the school for more than 20 years, we believe Brookfield Academy is as worthy an institution as we have found to receive this benefit." John and Carol Mitchell BA Grandparents Smeeth Society Members
This bequest allows you to restrict the principal of your gift, requiring us to hold the funds permanently and use only the investment income they generate. Creating an endowment in this manner means that your gift can continue giving indefinitely.
One of your valued possessions, your home, can become a valued gift to us even while you are still living in it and even if you want your spouse or other survivor to live there for life. This arrangement is called a retained life estate.
"A few years ago we began the process of updating our estate plan. Julie and I agreed that we wanted to be involved not just today, but for the future." Tim '79 and Julie O'Malley Alum and Alumni Parents Smeeth Society Charter Members
If your goal is to provide an inheritance for your children, but you would also like to make a significant charitable gift through your estate, find out how a charitable lead trust can help you satisfy both objectives. A charitable lead trust that can provide a significant charitable gift through your estate and provide an inheritance to your children.
What are your plans for the future? While there is no single way to achieve all of your personal and financial goals, there is one strategy that can meet many of your needs. It is called a charitable remainder trust. In the right circumstances, this plan can increase your income, reduce your taxes, unlock appreciated investments, rid you of investment worries and ultimately provide very important support.
Perhaps you would like to make a sizable contribution to us now to help with current needs, but you don't want to reduce the estate you will pass to family. Purchasing life insurance might be the answer.
By including BA in your estate plan, you become a member of The Smeeth Society. Founded in 2003, the Smeeth Society is named in honor of Bill Smeeth, a founder and first headmaster of Brookfield Academy. The Smeeth Society recognizes those individuals dedicated to keeping the lamp of learning brilliantly lit even after they are gone.
"We certainly had an imagination of success and knew BA was going to be a different place. What we've got now is impressive." Mr. Burleigh Jacobs Alumni Parent, Grandparent and Great Grandparent Smeeth Society Charter Member
If wealth protection and ensuring a bright future for Brookfield Academy interest you, we suggest you seek professional guidance in constructing a sound estate plan. For additional information, contact Larry Pesch, Development Director, at 262-783-3200 or e-mail him at larry.pesch@brookfieldacademy.org.
