Skip to main content

Make an impact while planning for your future

Make your will for free

We also offer the ability to create a free Revocable Living Trust

Everybody needs a will

Whether you’re 18 or 108, everyone should have a will in place. People use wills to choose who gets their property, name guardians for minor children, provide a plan for pets, and more.

Through a will, many people also choose to leave a part of their estate to West Virginia State University Foundation and make an impact on the causes they love, for years to come.

Why give in your will?

Continue to use assets or property during your lifetime
Potentially reduce your estate tax burden
Leave a lasting legacy to West Virginia State University Foundation

Common gifted assets in wills and trusts

  • Financial accounts
  • Real estate
  • Vehicles
  • Brokerage accounts
  • Crypto and NFTs
  • Personal property

Make your will online – for free!

West Virginia State University Foundation has partnered with FreeWill to offer an online estate planning tool that makes it easy and cost-free to make your plan. In as little as 20 minutes, you can help support our mission for future generations.

We also offer the ability to create a free Revocable Living Trust


Popular resources

Estate planning checklist

Ten important documents to get your affairs in order.

Download

Sample bequest language for your will or trust

This language may help you and your attorney as you consider a gift that will meet your financial and personal goals.

Download

Sample codicil

When it’s time to update your will, you can use a codicil—an addition or supplement that explains or modifies your existing will.

Download

Planned giving helps make a difference for WVSU

A gift in your will creates a foundation for the future. Our work today is important, but it is equally, if not more important, to ensure that WVSU can continue to provide exceptional education and the resources to achieve anything we set our minds to.

Fred Thomas

Fred D. Thomas Jr., ‘50

Fred D. Thomas Jr., ‘50 graduated from West Virginia State College with a bachelor’s degree in biology. After earning a graduate degree in education, he went on to serve as a middle school science teacher and curriculum coordinator for 35 years.

As a way to give back to his alma mater, Fred made a planned gift commitment to establish a learning center that bears his name. Fred’s generosity will help ensure that future generations of Yellow Jackets studying to be teachers have access to the latest high-tech tools while learning to lead the nation’s classrooms.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.

Yes! Knowing in advance about your intentions is quite helpful to our staff, but you are always welcome to not share your gift.

We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).

Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.

Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.

We’re here to help you meet your goals!

Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.

Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know

Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter your email address.
Please select an inquiry.
Please enter a message.

More ways to make an impact

Beneficiary designations

Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.

Learn more

Popular tax-smart gifts

Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.

Learn more

Gifts that pay you back

Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.

Learn more