Bequests

A bequest is a simple way to provide now for a future gift to The Cooper Union. If you designate Cooper as a beneficiary of your will or trust, your assets will remain in your control during your lifetime, and you can modify your bequest as needed if your circumstances change. By naming Cooper in your will or trust, you may also be eligible for estate tax benefits.

A bequest can be made in several ways:

  1. You can gift a specific dollar amount or asset
  2. You can gift a percentage of your estate
  3. You can gift from the balance or residue of your estate
  4. You can make a beneficiary designation of certain assets

If you would like to include The Cooper Union in your estate plans, we encourage you to review our suggested bequest language with your advisor. 

Suggested Bequest Language

  • If you would like to make a residuary bequest which provides a benefit to Cooper after all other beneficiaries and expenses have been paid: “I give to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, a NY nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number 13-5562985, all [or a portion] of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.”
     
  • If you would like to make a general bequest of an exact sum to Cooper: “I give to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, a NY nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number 13-5562985 [insert here the exact dollar amount].”
     
  • If you would like to make a specific bequest of a certain asset from your estate: “I give to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, a NY nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number 13-5562985, [insert here a description of the particular property].”
     
  • If you would like to make a contingent bequest which provides a benefit to Cooper if you are not survived by certain individuals: “If [name/s of primary beneficiary/ies] do/es not survive me, or shall die within ninety (90) days from the date of my death, or as a result of a common disaster, then I give to The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, a NY nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number 13-5562985, [insert here the exact dollar amount, description of property, or percentage of residual estate].”
     

The information contained herein is not intended as legal or tax advice. We recommend that you consult with your attorney or financial advisor for questions concerning your individual situation. 

Have you already left a bequest to The Cooper Union? Let us know! Fill out this form so we can properly thank you.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.