Administratively dissolved foundation can’t inherit bequest

When a foundation was administratively dissolved shortly before the death of a donor, it was not in a position to receive the residue of a trust that was designated for another charity if the foundation was “no longer in existence” on the donor’s death.  Despite the fact that the foundation was reinstated under state law “as of the effective date” of the dissolution, a Court of Appeal of Florida has affirmed a trial court decision denying the residue to the foundation.

Federal court dismisses UPMIFA case

A federal District Court in Minnesota has dismissed a suit by an alumnus of St. John’s University seeking to recover a gift he claimed was “mishandled” in the University’s endowment fund.

Estate tax deduction may be reduced by subsequent events

An estate tax deduction for the value of stock passed to a charity may be modified by subsequent events, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed.  Post-death “manipulation” of the value of the stock so that the amount actually received by the charity is substantially below the value of the stock bequeathed at the donor’s death justifies a reduction in the estate tax deduction to the amount received by the charity.

Jesuits can’t recover retirement benefits of deceased priest

Despite his vow of poverty and commitment to provide all of his property to his religious order, when a retired Jesuit priest named his sister-in-law as the beneficiary of his retirement plans, the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) prevents a claim under state contract theory, the federal District Court in Connecticut has ruled.  It has dismissed a claim by the priest’s Province seeking a declaratory judgment that it was entitled to the funds.