Legacy Society

“Supporters of SAR play a decisive role in ensuring the safety of people like me who stand for freedom, enlightenment, and tolerance.” – SAR-assisted scholar

Since 2000, Scholars at Risk has helped thousands of scholars escape violence and persecution to continue their research and teaching. We have also made historic progress securing protection for academic freedom as a basic human right through our advocacy.

Our work in 2025 is more urgent than ever as rising autocracy, misinformation, disinformation, and violent conflict challenge the freedom to think, ask questions, and exchange ideas. You can help safeguard the freedom to think for future generations by joining the Scholars at Risk Legacy Society and naming SAR in your estate plan today.

Make a meaningful contribution to SAR with a simple legacy gift while potentially securing financial and tax benefits for you and your family.

To make a lasting impact, consider the following giving options:

Gifts Through Your Will or Trust

You can make a bequest by including SAR in your will or living trust.

  • General bequest: You can designate a specific dollar amount.
  • Property bequest: You can leave convertible assets such as securities.
  • Residuary bequest: You can give all or a portion of what remains of your estate after your other wishes are fulfilled.

Gifts by Beneficiary Designation

Easily name SAR as a beneficiary on a variety of financial accounts by completing a beneficiary designation form from your financial provider.

  • Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401k): Designating SAR as the ultimate beneficiary of all or a percentage of a retirement account is one of the easiest and most tax-efficient ways to give and can reduce or eliminate significant tax burdens for your family.
  • Life Insurance: If your life insurance policy is no longer needed by your family, you can designate SAR as a full or % beneficiary.
  • Donor-Advised Fund: You can designate SAR as the beneficiary of your DAF.

To learn more about joining the SAR Legacy Society and making a planned gift, please contact Jasmine Precious, Development Manager, at jasmine.precious@nyu.edu.

If you have already named SAR in your estate plan, please complete this simple Legacy Intention Form so we can include your gift in our organization plan for the future and list you as a member of the Legacy Society (if you prefer to remain anonymous, we can honor your wishes).

Note: Scholars at Risk does not provide legal or tax advice. We encourage you to consult with a financial advisor or attorney to understand the legal and tax implications of your planned gift.