Beneficiary Designations

Not everyone wants to commit to making a gift through a will or living trust. Some prefer the increased flexibility that a beneficiary designation provides by using: 

• IRAs and retirement plans
• Life insurance policies
• Donor advised funds
• Commercial annuities

It is very simple to name Denison as a beneficiary. Start by requesting a change-of-beneficiary form from your policy administrator or download the form from your provider's website. Make your desired changes and return the form to establish your gift.

Make Your Gift to “Denison University”

In order to administer your estate gift most efficiently, it’s important to make your gift payable to “Denison University” rather than “Denison” or “DU.” The full name of the university will allow us to ensure your gift is utilized by Denison in accordance with your wishes without delay.

Why We Ask for Information About Your Beneficiary Designation

Estate gifts can range from simple to very complicated. The job of our Office of Gift Planning is to ensure your intentions are accurately conveyed in your estate plan. By reviewing your beneficiary designation, we can compare your documentation to the information you have provided your development officer about how you would like your gift to be used by Denison. We will let you know if we notice anything in your planning that seems contrary to, or insufficient for, your intentions, and we are happy to work with you or your advisors to ensure your intentions are conveyed accurately in your documentation.

Additionally, even though your gift has not yet been received, it would be an honor to welcome you to the Harris-Tight-Huffman Society, the university's giving circle that honors alums and friends who have included Denison in their deferred gift plans. We also can respect any request to avoid such public recognition — please just let us know.