A Pie Analogy for Giving

Picture your estate as a pie. When you decide whom you want to share it with, you can cut big slices, little slices, or somewhere in between.

We talk to many supporters of Washington College who worry that leaving a gift in their will to the College may jeopardize their family’s well-being. The pie analogy comes in handy. You dictate the serving sizes. You can ensure that your loved ones get the biggest portion of your estate. You can also make sure your family gets served first.

Here is how:

Instead of a fixed amount, consider leaving Washington College a percentage of your estate or of specific assets. That way, your charitable gift will adjust according to future circumstances, and gifts to loved ones will remain proportional—no matter how your estate fluctuates. Here are two ways to do it:

1. Gift a percentage of your estate to Washington College in your will.
2. Leave Washington College a percentage of your residual estate (the portion of your estate that remains after all gifts and bequests have been made and all claims of the estate are satisfied).

The great thing about gifts from your will is that they are flexible: You can change your mind at any time. Just know that whatever you settle on, a gift to Washington College does not have to be large—every slice makes a difference.

Save a Slice for Washington College

Even a small piece of your estate makes an impact. Contact Emily Kate Smith ’10 at 410-778-7883 or esmith6@washcoll.edu to learn more about supporting the College while serving family first.