An Estate-Planning Team Can Help You Best Achieve Your Personal and Philanthropic Goals

October 2025

At Stony Brook University, we are always honored when faithful friends choose to make planned gifts in support of our mission. These gifts reflect deep generosity and foresight, and they often arrive quietly through notifications from personal representatives of estates, trustees of trusts, or officials from banks, insurance companies, or retirement funds.

While these gifts are deeply appreciated, we sometimes wonder if donors might have found even more satisfaction in their giving had they enlisted a team to help shape these final acts of generosity. Many supporters have a heartfelt desire to make a difference but may not be aware of the most effective ways to do so. Partnering with a team and with our office of Gift Planning can bring clarity, confidence, and greater impact to their planning.

Whether you are creating your estate plan for the first time or revisiting it with fresh eyes, consider the value of assembling a thoughtful estate-planning team. Such a team might include:

Legal Advisor: Language matters, especially in legal documents. An experienced attorney can help craft your estate plan and explain options for naming beneficiaries across insurance policies, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement plans. Proper wording can also unlock potential tax benefits.
Financial and Tax Advisors: These professionals know your assets best. They work closely with legal advisors to identify the right assets to fund a gift, maximizing both tax and practical benefits. Their guidance can help navigate estate tax, income-tax, and capital-gain considerations.
Family: Every donor approaches family conversations differently. Some share their plans openly, while others prefer discretion. Advisors can help determine what feels right for your situation. Many of our friends at Stony Brook have found that sharing their charitable goals with loved ones has sparked meaningful conversations and even inspired others to join in their philanthropic vision.
Stony Brook University: When donors share their intentions with us, we become a more effective partner in helping them achieve their goals. We may be aware of other initiatives from fellow donors or within the university that align with their interests. In some cases, donors choose to join forces to amplify their impact. We can also share emerging opportunities that might resonate deeply with their values.

Knowing about planned gift intentions allows us to prepare thoughtfully for the future, steward gifts with care, and recognize you in meaningful ways. Most important, it ensures that your generosity is honored and celebrated. When you notify us of your estate-gift intentions, you will be warmly welcomed into our Legacy Society and invited to our annual luncheon to celebrate your enduring impact.

We would be privileged to be part of your planning team. There is no better time than now to begin or revisit your legacy planning. Please reach out to our office. We are here to help you shape a gift that reflects your values and supports Stony Brook University and Stony Brook Medicine for generations to come.

Email: Gift.Planning@stonybrook.edu
Phone: 631-632-4413

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