In 1999 the Trustees of The Providence Country Day School established the Gerald B. Woodruff Bequest Society in honor of the long-time assistant head of school, and all those individuals who followed his example by naming PCD in their estate plans.

Mr. Woodruff served the PCD community for 40 years, from 1929 until his retirement in 1969—as assistant head of school, an inspiring teacher and dedicated coach.  During his tenure, he had the foresight to establish an endowed fund to support faculty salaries—a fund that continues to benefit our teachers today.  He also provided for the School with a bequest in his will and set up a Charitable Gift Annuity with PCD.  Inspired by Woodruff’s enduring contributions to the School, alumni, faculty, parents and friends have followed his example—naming PCD in their estates and/or designing planned gifts that benefit both PCD and themselves.

The Woodruff Society represents PCD’s true guardians—donors whose generosity will impact the health and vitality of the School in profound and as yet unimagined ways.  The legacies of Woodruff Society members will help enrich the lives and shape the minds of countless generations of PCD students, ensuring the School’s strength in perpetuity.  Planned gifts to PCD can reach farther and accomplish more than gifts to larger institutions; they are able to make a significant difference right away that truly reflects a donor’s wishes.

Planned Giving expresses a deep and thoughtful commitment to PCD’s future; many estate gifts support endowment, and thus provide for the ongoing sustainability of a school.  Additionally, estate gifts are the result of important planning by the donor, who can receive regular income, significant tax benefits or accomplish other financial goals as a result.  PCD’s development office, along with your financial advisor, can help you distinguish between the various types of estate planning vehicles and help you determine the best way to meet your financial needs and objectives.

There is no minimum gift requirement to establish membership, and all donors, whether through a bequest provision or a life income arrangement are automatically granted membership in the Woodruff Society.

The following information will introduce you to the basics of the most common types of planned gifts. Please note that for each plan, there are numerous options available, allowing you to customize your plans and make sure that you will be able to meet your needs as well as help meet the needs of the School.