Planned giving

Wills and trusts

By leaving money or other assets to Berkeley Rep in your will or trust, you can reduce your possible estate tax, so the cost to your family members can be significantly less than the face value of the gift. And bequests are fully revocable, so you can change your mind if your circumstances change.

Talk to your professional advisor: in one sentence, you can make great theatre a part of your legacy.

Sample language for your will

See below for sample language for a specific dollar amount, a percentage or your estate, or the remainder after all other provisions have been made.

• For a fixed amount of money or a designated property:
  • “I give, devise and bequeath to Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Tax ID No. 94-1679756, located in Berkeley, California,
    Choose one:
    the sum of $_____.”
    _____ shares of stock in __________ company.”
    _____% of my real property, commonly known as __________, located in __________.”
• For a percentage of your estate:
  • “I give, devise and bequeath to Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Tax ID No. 94-1679756, located in Berkeley, California, _____% of my estate.”
• For a residual bequest:
  • “I give, devise and bequeath to Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Tax ID No. 94-1679756, located in Berkeley, California, _____% of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, including real and personal property.”

Beneficiary designations

For a gift that is simple, flexible, and tax-efficient, consider making Berkeley Rep a beneficiary of all or part of the proceeds from your IRA, Keogh, 401(k), 403(b), insurance policy, or DAF.

IRAs, Keoghs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s are usually funded with untaxed dollars, so they are subject to income and estate tax. This double tax may leave heirs with as little as 30% of the plan’s value. Heirs also may be subject estate tax on distributions from DAFs and insurance policies. Berkeley Rep will receive the entire amount you designate from any of these funds or plans tax-free.

To name Berkeley Rep as a beneficiary, simply ask your fund or plan administrator for a change-of-beneficiary form (or download it from their website), make your changes, and return the form to establish your gift. And please don’t forget to tell us about it!

Charitable gift annuities

Berkeley Rep offers Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) through a partnership with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF). With a simple contract, you can make a significant gift to Berkeley Rep and provide yourself or your loved ones with a dependable stream of annual income for life, and likely a tax deduction, as well.

If you meet certain age requirements, are a resident of California, and make a contribution of $25,000 or more to the SVCF, the Foundation will make fixed payments for life to one or two beneficiaries of your choice. The balance would be used to fund Berkeley Rep’s work. You may also qualify for tax benefits, such as an immediate tax deduction and a capital gains tax advantage, if you fund your annuity with long-term appreciated assets, and a portion of the payments you receive may be tax-free.

Read more about CGAs

Charitable remainder unitrusts

With a charitable remainder unitrust, you can make a significant gift to Berkeley Rep while receiving a variety of tax benefits and providing income to yourself or others each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years. At the end of the trust term, the balance in the trust goes to Berkeley Rep. For some gifts, Berkeley Rep is happy to consider creating a fund named for you or someone you wish to honor.

The following funds were named to honor individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to Berkeley Rep’s long-term vitality.

The Dale Elliot Fund

Created in memory of Dale Elliot, a past Berkeley Rep Stage actor, the fund supports artistic initiatives.

Bret C. Harte Director (Artistic Administration) Fellowship Fund

Created in memory of Bret C. Harte, a passionate young theatre director and Berkeley Rep employee, the fund supports the artistic administration/directing/producing fellowship. The fellow is mentored by Artistic Director Johanna Pfaelzer and Associate Artistic Director David Mendizábal.

The Mosse Foundation Artistic Development Fund

This endowment fund was created with a grant from the Mosse Foundation for the Arts and Education and supports artistic risk-taking and new play development.

The Peter F. Sloss Dramaturgy and Literary Fellowship Fund

Established in memory of Peter Sloss, who served as a Berkeley Rep trustee from 1991 to 1997 and was a fervent champion in the development of new plays, the fund supports the dramaturgy and literary fellowship. The fellow is mentored by Artistic Director Johanna Pfaelzer and Associate Artistic Director David Mendizábal.

The Harry Weininger Sound Fellowship Fund

Established in memory of Harry Weininger, a longtime Berkeley Rep subscriber and supporter and an avid sound aficionado, the fund supports the sound fellowship. Under the mentorship of the Sound and Video Supervisor Lane Elms, the fellow is schooled in sound engineering and design, gaining real-world experience while working on Berkeley Rep’s productions for the season.

To learn more or make a donation toward these funds, please contact Laura Fichtenberg at 510 647–2907 or give@berkeleyrep.org.