Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ESTATE GIFTS

When is the right time to complete, sign, and share this Estate Gift Confirmation Form with Notre Dame?

Notre Dame invites benefactors to share this completed and signed form at any time following the execution of your estate plans (or estate plan updates) that include a gift to Notre Dame.

I have included a gift to Notre Dame in my will, trust, or as the beneficiary of a retirement account. Why should I share a snapshot of those plans with Notre Dame?

Though the loyalty of the Notre Dame family is second-to-none, many are surprised to learn that only 1% of all alumni have shared that the University is a part of their estate plans, and less than 1% of all alumni, parents, and friends of Notre Dame have done so. Sharing a snapshot of your plans inspires others to follow in your footsteps and provides University leadership hope and confidence in planning for the future. In addition, sharing your plans allows us to plan with you to ensure that your gift is used as you intend. 

Notre Dame is named to receive a percentage or share of my estate, which means that the value of my gift is constantly changing and could increase or decrease over time. Does Notre Dame still want me to provide an approximate, current value of my gift?

Yes. Notre Dame appreciates that the value of many estate gifts to the University can and will change over time. Nevertheless, we invite you to share an approximate current value of your gift so that we can appropriately plan with you in the prospective use of your gift.

If I inform the University that I have included a gift to Notre Dame in my estate plans, do I have the right to revise or revoke the gift at a later date?

Yes. Estate commitments to Notre Dame are typically non-binding and subject to change, or revocation, in a benefactor’s sole discretion. If a change is made to your estate plans, we would simply ask you to inform Notre Dame so that we can update the University’s records accordingly.

May I designate the use of my estate gift?

Yes. While many of Notre Dame’s benefactors elect to leave their estate gift unrestricted so that University leadership can direct it to the areas of greatest need, others choose to designate their gift to a specific purpose—often involving the creation or further funding of an endowed fund. Simple agreements between a benefactor and Notre Dame are often prepared to state in detail the area(s) at the University to be supported by an estate gift and the administrative terms of any endowed funds to be established. If you intend to designate your estate gift to a specific purpose and/or establish an endowed fund with your estate gift, please contact us so that we can discuss your intentions and ensure that we are able to meet them.

If I have further questions about this topic, who should I contact?

You are welcome to e-mail us at pgiving@nd.edu or call us at 574-631-7164 and a member of the Gift Planning team will be pleased to respond as soon as possible.