1866 Legacy Circle

Welcome to the 1866 Legacy Circle

The 1866 Legacy Circle honors the visionary individuals who are shaping Fisk University’s future through thoughtful and lasting generosity. Named in tribute to the year of our founding, this special society recognizes donors who have made Fisk part of their legacy by including the university in their will, trust, or other planned gift arrangements.

By becoming a member of the 1866 Legacy Circle, you join a community of supporters who believe in the enduring power of education and are committed to preserving Fisk’s legacy for generations to come. Your planned gift not only reflects your values but also helps ensure that Fisk continues to provide exceptional opportunities for students—today and in the future.

Legacy gifts have a profound impact. They sustain our mission, strengthen our academic programs, and open doors for the next generation of leaders, scholars, and changemakers.

A gift you designate in your will or living trust that directs a portion of your estate to Fisk University.

Benefits:

  • Retain full control of your assets during your lifetime
  • Modify your gift at any time
  • May reduce estate taxes

Best for:
Donors who want flexibility and wish to make a future impact without affecting their current finances.

Name Fisk University as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement accounts.

Benefits:

  • Simple to set up through your plan administrator
  • Avoids income tax on distributions
  • Can reduce estate taxes

How to Do It:
Request a “Change of Beneficiary” form from your retirement plan provider and list Fisk University as a full or partial beneficiary.

Best for:
Donors looking for a tax-efficient way to give and reduce taxable estate assets.

Make Fisk the beneficiary or owner of an existing or new life insurance policy.

Benefits:

  • Leverage a small investment into a large gift
  • May provide immediate tax benefits if policy ownership is transferred
  • Keeps your other estate plans intact

Best for:
Donors with unused life insurance policies or those seeking an affordable way to make a significant impact.

Make a gift to Fisk and, in return, receive fixed annual payments for life. After your lifetime, the remaining balance benefits the university.

Benefits:

  • Guaranteed income for life
  • Partial tax deduction
  • Favorable treatment of capital gains

Best for:
Donors 60+ who want to supplement retirement income while supporting Fisk.

A simple, flexible way to recommend grants to Fisk University from your DAF account.

Benefits:

  • Immediate tax deduction at the time of contribution
  • Flexibility to support Fisk over time
  • Can be part of your long-term giving plan

How to Give:
Contact your DAF sponsor and request a grant to Fisk University or name Fisk as the successor beneficiary.

Donate appreciated property like a home, land, or stock to Fisk University.

Benefits:

  • Avoid capital gains tax
  • Receive a charitable deduction
  • Make a larger gift than you might with cash

Note: These gifts are subject to review and acceptance policies.

Best for:
Donors with valuable appreciated assets or real estate who want to maximize impact and minimize taxes.

Make Your Pledge

1866 Legacy Interest Form

Please mail or email this form to:

ATTN: Development Office
1000 17th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208
Or email to: scamilo@fisk.edu

Testimonials and Donor Recognition

Resources for Estate Planning

Below is a curated list of helpful resources for individuals interested in planned giving and estate planning. These materials can support your journey in making a lasting impact through thoughtful legacy planning. We encourage you to consult your financial advisor or estate planning attorney before making any decisions.

Estate Planning Basics – Nolo

A comprehensive introduction to estate planning, including wills, living trusts, and power of attorney.

Sample Bequest Language – Leave a Legacy

Examples of how to include a charitable organization in your will or trust.

Estate Planning Checklist – AARP

Step-by-step checklist covering all key documents and decisions for planning your estate.

Planned Giving Overview – Fidelity Charitable

Overview of charitable giving strategies including donor-advised funds and charitable trusts.

IRS Charitable Contributions Guide

IRS guidelines on deducting charitable contributions for estate and income tax purposes.

Estate Planning Frequently Asked Questions

A planned gift is a contribution that is arranged in the present and allocated at a future date. It is most commonly donated through a will or trust and can include bequests, retirement assets, life insurance policies, and more.
Yes. Most planned gifts, such as bequests or beneficiary designations, are revocable and can be changed at any time during your lifetime.
While you are not required to notify Fisk, letting us know about your planned gift allows us to recognize your generosity through membership in the 1866 Legacy Society and ensure your intentions are carried out properly.
Yes. In many cases, planned gifts can reduce estate taxes for your heirs and may offer income or capital gains tax benefits. We recommend consulting a financial advisor or estate planning attorney for guidance based on your specific situation.

You can contact Samantha Camilo, Associate Director of Development at scamilo@fisk.edu. To share your intent to include Fisk in your plans or to request more information, please use the link below to access our interest form. You may complete the form and email it to scamilo@fisk.edu or print and mail it to us. If you choose to mail in your form, please use the address below:

ATTN: Development Office
1000 17th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208
Or email to: scamilo@fisk.edu

Your Legacy

To share your intent to include Fisk in your plans or to request more information, please use our interest form. You may complete the form and email it to scamilo@fisk.edu or print and mail it to us.