Make an impact while planning for your future
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 ASD and make an impact on the causes they love, for years to come.
Why give in your will?
You’re invited to join the 1817 Society
Become a partner in our mission and make a lasting difference in the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
What is the 1817 Society?
Founded in 1817 as the nation’s first permanent school for the Deaf, the American School for the Deaf (ASD) continues to lead the way in Deaf education, empowering Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deafblind students to learn, grow, and thrive in a world of endless possibilities.
The 1817 Society honors those who have demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing ASD’s mission through a gift included in their estate plans. These members recognize the strength and sustainability that these gifts provide – ensuring that their impact will grow and benefit the students we serve for generations to come.
These visionary supporters understand the enduring power of their generosity -creating a foundation of strength and sustainability for the future of ASD.
Member benefits
On behalf of the American School for the Deaf, we thank you for planning for the future of Deaf education.
To show our gratitude for your lasting commitment to our mission, we are proud to offer the following benefits to each 1817 Society member:
- Special invitations to special ASD events
- An 1817 Society Exclusive Membership Pin
- Recognition in our Annual American Era Publication
- The joy of being a part of a community with a shared commitment to ASD’s future.
“We cherish ASD and feel deeply grateful for what it gave us. We want current and future students to have the same opportunities for growth and success. That is why we have chosen to include ASD in our estate plans.”
— Barbara Cassin, 1817 Society Member
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!
ASD 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
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.
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.
Planned giving helps fuel American School for the Deaf’s mission
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 American School for the Deaf can continue well into the future.
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.
Name: Carolyn Treiss
Title :Director of Institutional Advancement
Phone: 860-570-2300
Email: Carolyn.Treiss@asd-1817.org
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know
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.
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.
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.