Estate and Strategic Giving

Two people posing, holding a #CWRUalumni frame

What is your legacy?

Leave your mark and preserve the Case Western Reserve experience for generations to come by making a strategic gift that best fits your needs—and your family’s.

Choose from a variety of tax-smart giving vehicles that allow you to plan for your retirement and estate while investing in the university’s future.

Strategic giving professionals will partner with you and your advisors to create a strategy for achieving both your personal and charitable financial goals.

These services are confidential, collaborative and provided without obligation. Speak with one of our planned giving professionals to learn more about your options by calling 216.368.4460 or emailing strategicgiving@case.edu.

Popular planned gifts

Make a bequest

With one sentence, you can leave a lasting impact on our campus. Include Case Western Reserve University in your will or living trust, and help future generations experience all that CWRU has to offer.

CWRU has partnered with FreeWill to make the process as simple as possible. Check out the secure online tool and create your legally binding will in as little as 20 minutes—completely free.
Already included the university in your will? Let us know by filling out this form. Certain assets, such as an IRA, 401(k) and life insurance policy are not included in a will. Use this online tool to organize your assets.

Give through your IRA

If you are 70.5 years of age or older, donating from your individual retirement account (IRA) is a convenient, tax-wise way to support Case Western Reserve. You can give up to $100,000 from your IRA without paying income tax on your gift.

Give from your donor-advised fund

A donor-advised fund allows you to reap the tax benefits of several years’ worth of charitable donations, all at once.

Supplement your income with charitable gift annuities

Charitable gift annuities make it possible for you to support Case Western Reserve while ensuring you’ll have dependable income in your retirement years. With this type of gift, you may qualify for a variety of tax benefits, including a charitable deduction when you itemize. Read about one alumnus who recently established his 15th charitable gift annuity at the university!

The Luminary Society

Case Western Reserve University’s Luminary Society honors alumni and friends who have invested in the university’s future through a planned gift.

Luminary Society members light the path for our CWRU community, helping us to think beyond the possible—and even redefine the possible.

Enjoy updates on campus developments as well as exclusive opportunities to engage with the university and its leaders. 

Learn more about how you can help secure a bright future for Case Western Reserve and join the Luminary Society by contacting the Office of Strategic Giving at 216.368.4460.

Learn More About Planned Giving At CWRU

Strategic Initiatives and Global Principal Gifts