The John Paul Stevens Legacy Society
Ensure that the champions of tomorrow have the support they need today.
When you make a planned gift to the John Paul Stevens Foundation, you ensure that your values—and Justice Stevens’ enduring commitment to democracy, equality, and the rule of law—live on in perpetuity.
Throughout his extraordinary 35-year tenure on the United States Supreme Court, Justice Stevens believed deeply that true justice depends on ensuring that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has a skilled and dedicated advocate in their corner.
In honor of his retirement, his former law clerks founded the John Paul Stevens Foundation to break down the financial barriers that prevent passionate law students from pursuing public interest careers. What began in 1997 as a single fellowship at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law—Justice Stevens’ beloved alma mater—has grown into a vibrant nationwide network spanning nearly 40 partner law schools.
Today, Stevens Fellows serve on the front lines of advocacy. They are public defenders, civil rights litigators, and steadfast champions for children, domestic violence survivors, immigrants, and low-income families.
A legacy gift ensures that as long as there are unmet legal needs in our society, there will always be a pipeline of talented, courageous lawyers ready to answer the call.
The John Paul Stevens Legacy Society
When you include the Foundation in your estate plans, you are automatically welcomed as a member of the John Paul Stevens Legacy Society—a dedicated community of visionaries committed to safeguarding access to justice for generations to come.
Legacy gifts of every size provide a permanent foundation for our Fellows. You can choose to direct your gift toward our greatest areas of need or work with us to support a specific focus area close to your heart.
Flexible Ways to Give
Creating a legacy gift is simple, flexible, and can be tailored to fit your personal financial and family goals:
- Bequests in Your Will or Trust: Specify a fixed dollar amount, a specific asset, or a percentage of your total estate. Donating a percentage allows your gift to automatically adjust alongside your estate over time.
- Residual Bequests: Designate all or a portion of the remainder (“residue”) of your estate to the Foundation after your loved ones, taxes, and specific gifts have been provided for.
- Beneficiary Designations: Name the Foundation as a primary or contingent beneficiary of your retirement accounts (such as an IRA, 401(k), or 403(b)) or a life insurance policy. This option can usually be completed online through your plan custodian.
Tax Efficiency & Smart Planning
Because the John Paul Stevens Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, a legacy gift could significantly reduce the burden of estate and inheritance taxes on your heirs. Furthermore, designating the Foundation as a beneficiary of an IRA or retirement plan can eliminate income taxes that heirs would otherwise owe on those specific distributions.
We recommend consulting with your estate attorney or financial advisor to determine the best strategy for your philanthropic and family goals
Please Let Us Thank You
If you have already included the John Paul Stevens Foundation in your will or estate plan, please let us know!
We would love the opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude, officially welcome you into the John Paul Stevens Foundation Legacy Society, and ensure we have accurate records to honor your intentions exactly as you wish.
Contact Information & Planning Resources
We are here to help you and your family explore the best option for your legacy.
- Mailing Address: The John Paul Stevens Foundation (c/o Third Plateau), 127 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
- Tax ID (EIN): 27-2556295
- Contact Person: Sara L. Woods, Executive Director
- Email: sara@jpstevensfoundation.org
- Phone: (415) 684-8576
Disclaimer: The Foundation cannot offer formal legal, financial, or estate-planning advice. We encourage you to consult an independent estate attorney or financial planner to customize a strategy that best serves your family and your philanthropic goals.