Make an impact while planning for your future
We also offer the ability to create a free Revocable Living Trust
Everybody needs a will
Whether you’re 18 or 108, everyone should have a will in place. People use wills to choose who gets their property, name guardians for minor children, provide a plan for pets and more.
Through a will, many people also choose to leave a part of their estate to the College of Saint Benedict and make an impact on the causes they love, for years to come.
Why give in your will?
Common gifted assets in wills and trusts
- Financial accounts
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Brokerage accounts
- Crypto and NFTs
- Personal property
Make your will online – for free!
College of Saint Benedict has partnered with FreeWill to offer an online estate planning tool that makes it easy and cost-free to make your plan. In as little as 20 minutes, you can help support our mission for future generations. You can also use the tool to start your will and document your wishes before visiting an attorney.
We also offer the ability to create a free Revocable Living Trust
Popular resources
Sample bequest language for your will or trust
This language may help you and your attorney as you consider a gift that will meet your financial and personal goals.
Sample codicil
When it’s time to update your will, you can use a codicil—an addition or supplement that explains or modifies your existing will.
You can impact future generations
Generosity comes in many forms, and it’s often the best way for you to support important causes that matter the most in your life. When you give to the College of Saint Benedict, you help us make a difference.
Ardeth Harth Duthoy ’52 and Everette “Ev” Duthoy ’52’s story
Ardeth (Harth) and Everette “Ev” Duthoy are keen to make solid investment choices. That inclination translates to their commitments to the annual and endowment funds at the College of Saint Benedict, where they believe students not only receive a good education but “instructions for a good life.”
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.
Yes! Knowing in advance about your intentions is quite helpful to our staff, but you are always welcome to not share your gift.
We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).
Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.
Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals with no obligation.
Name: College of Saint Benedict Planned Giving Office
Title :Tara Maas Tessmer ’14
Schoenecker Commons
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
Phone: 320-363-5307
Email: csbplannedgiving@csbsju.edu
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know
More ways to make an impact
Beneficiary designations
Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.
Popular tax-smart gifts
Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.
Gifts that pay you back
Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.