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Make a Lasting Impact Today

There are many ways to support Savannah State University, but one of the most meaningful and impactful is through planned giving. This approach allows donors of all ages and income levels to maximize their legacy, often giving more than they ever imagined possible.

Planned giving includes tools that may offer lifelong income, along with significant tax benefits for you and your loved ones. One of the most common methods is a bequest—naming Savannah State University in your will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy.

You may choose to direct your planned gift to any area that aligns with your values. If you already have an endowment, consider growing it through a bequest, enhancing both its principal and long-term impact.

While a bequest intention is not legally binding, it provides the University with the opportunity to plan for the future and recognize your generosity in a meaningful way. Anonymity is always respected upon request.

To assist you, the Division of University Advancement offers an estate planning toolkit and sample bequest language.

Together, we are building an unlimited future—one where opportunity grows and degree attainment is always within reach.

Sample Bequest Languages

Estate Planning Toolkit

Creating your Legacy at Savannah State is Simple

blue-checkmark YOUR WILL

Include language in your will or trust designating "Savannah State University" as beneficiary of your assets.  Contact us so we can coordinate with you on the appropriate documentation to ensure your gift is used in accordance with your wishes when received.

blue-checkmark RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS

Complete a beneficiary designation form provided by your retirement plan custodian. Designate "Savannah State University" as beneficiary. Submit the form to your retirement plan custodian.

blue-checkmark IRA ROLLOVER

Individuals age 70 ½ years old or older can transfer up to $100,000 per year to Savannah State University from an IRA to satisfy the required minimum distribution for the year.

blue-checkmarkCHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY (CGA)

Transfer your cash or other assets, such as stock, to “Savannah State University” in exchange for fixed payments for you and/or someone else you choose each year for your lifetime(s). The remainder of the assets support Savannah State University.

There are many ways you can give a planned gift to benefit the university. Contact our Gift Planning Officer, Mr. Johnny McDonald, MPA, at 912-358-3062 or by email at mcdonaldj@savannahstate.edu.

plannedgiving-1

Join the 1890 Legacy Society 

Savannah State University launched its legacy society officially in August 2025. This distinguished group of donors committed to securing the future of Savannah State University has included us in their estate plans to help preserve our rich history and ensure that our mission endures for years to come. Your legacy gift is a powerful expression of your values and belief in the transformative power of a higher education at Savannah State University. 

 

Membership Eligibility:

  • Bequest intention of $25,000 or more to SSU in your will or trust by an individual or married couple. 
  • Designate SSU as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy or retirement account. 
  • Establish a charitable gift annuity with SSU. 
  • Deed your real estate and / or personal property to SSU. 

 

Membership Benefits:

  • Membership does not require any obligations, but it does allow the university to express our gratitude to you for your planned gift. It may inspire others to do the same. 
  • Recognition in the annual donor honor rol publication once gift is received. 
  • Receive a legacy coin and certificate of recognition at special luncheon.

Want to plan a significant gift that will impact future generations at Savannah State University?

You can make a planned gift.

Visit Our Planned Giving Website