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Make a Lasting Impact Today

There are many ways that you can support Savannah State University, but the largest and most significant gift a donor may ever make is through planned giving. Planned giving provides an opportunity where donors can amplify their impact and give more than they ever imagined, regardless of age or income. It includes many tools that allows you to potentially generate a stream of lifelong income while enjoying tax saving benefits now for you and your loved ones.

The most common way to make a planned gift is through a bequest naming Savannah State University in your will, trust or as beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy. Your planned gift can be designated to support any area of your choosing that aligns with your values. 

It is not a legally binding commitment, but a courtesy that allows the university to anticipate a future gift, and acknowledge you in a meaningful way. If you would like to remain anonymous, we will gladly honor your request.

An estate planning toolkit and sample bequest languages are offered through the Division of University Advancement.

SSU has partnered with FreeWill so that you can create your will and protect your loved ones as you create your own SSU legacy. Creating your legal will and planning a gift takes less than 20 minutes online, at no cost.

Start Your Free Will Today

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 Mr. Johnny McDonald, MPA, our Gift Planning Officer at 912-358-3062, or by email at mcdonaldj@savannahstate.edu.Connect with Our Gift Planning Officer

plannedgiving-1

Join the 1890 Legacy Society 

Savannah State University launched its legacy society officially in August 2025. This distinguished grouup 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. 
  • Designates 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 expres our gratitude to you for your planned gift. It may inspire others to do the same. 
  • Recognition in the annual donor honor roll publication once gift is received. 
  • Receive a legacy coin and certificate of recognition at special luncheon.

 

Contact our Gift Planning Officer, Mr. Johnny McDonald to help you get started at mcdonaldj@savannahstate.edu or 912-358-3062. You can also contact our main office at 912-358-3059 or by emailing ua@savannahstate.edu

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