Planned Giving

Leave a Lasting Impact at BCC

A planned gift is a simple and meaningful way to support BCC for years to come while aligning with your personal, financial, and philanthropic goals.

By including BCC in your plans, you help ensure that future generations of students have access to the education, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.

BCC students posing after graduation

Why Planned Giving Matters

Your legacy can support the areas of greatest need at BCC, including scholarships, academic programs, workforce training, and essential campus resources.

With your support, BCC can continue to:

  • Expand access to education
  • Strengthen programs that respond to community needs
  • Provide the tools and support students need to persist and succeed

A planned gift allows you to make a lasting impact, often without affecting your finances today.

Simple Ways to Give

There are several ways to include BCC in your plans. Many options are easier than you might think.

  • Bequests (Gifts in Your Will or Trust): The most common form of planned giving. You can designate a specific amount, percentage, or remainder of your estate to BCC.
  • Retirement Assets: Naming BCC as a beneficiary of a retirement account (such as an IRA or 401(k)) can be a tax-efficient way to give.
  • Life Insurance: You may name BCC as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or transfer ownership of a policy to the Foundation. If you are considering a different type of gift, we are happy to work with you and your advisors.
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you're age 70½ or older, you may be able to make tax-efficient gifts directly from your IRA to support BCC today.
  • Other Giving Options: We also welcome gifts through charitable trusts, donor advised fund succession, appreciated securities, and other planned giving strategies. We're happy to work with you and your professional advisors to find the option that's right for you.

Sample Bequest Language

If you choose to include BCC in your will or estate plans, you may use the following language:

“I give to the Berkshire Community College Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the sum of $_____ (or _____% of my estate), to be used for its general purposes.”

You may also choose to designate your gift for a specific program or purpose.

Black and photo of BCC in the 60s

1960 Heritage Society

The 1960 Heritage Society honors individuals who have included Berkshire Community College in their estate plans. Members of the Society:

  • Share a commitment to the future of BCC and its students
  • Help sustain the College for generations to come
  • May be recognized in Foundation publications and invited to special events

Already included BCC in your plans? Please complete our Bequest Intention form so we can thank you and welcome you into the 1960 Heritage Society.

BCC student and professor in the 1960s

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be wealthy to make a planned gift? Not at all. Many planned gifts are made by donors of all means and are among the most meaningful gifts they will ever make.

Can I change my plans later? Yes. Planned gifts, especially bequests, can be updated at any time.

Do I need an attorney or financial advisor? We recommend working with your professional advisors to ensure your plans reflect your goals and circumstances.

Start the Conversation

If you would like to learn more, please fill out the 1960 Heritage Society form to let us know you’d like more information.