| |
Do I need to include my wish to leave
a gift to a specific organization in my will? |
| |
To be
sure a charity or institution receives your gift,
you must state your intention in your will. Without
a will, you lose control over your belongings after
death, since your property and finances will be
settled according to state laws and not your family’s
wishes. |
| |
Do I need to have a large estate to leave
a gift? |
| |
“Estate” simply
means any property, money or personal belongings
in your possession when you die. Most people leave
an estate of some kind, even if they do not have
a great amount of money. Anyone can arrange to
leave a charitable gift from his or her estate. |
| |
How do I leave a gift to support the
things I believe in? |
| |
You
can arrange for a gift in several ways. The most
common method is through a will. Many people set
aside a certain dollar amount. Others leave a percentage
of their estate, or any assets left over after
they have provided for their family. Some people
give something they own, like a car or their home.
Others leave life insurance or other specific financial
investments. |
| |
Who can help me arrange a gift? |
| |
If you
are working with a professional such as a financial
planner, trust officer, lawyer, accountant or insurance
agent, please talk with them about making a charitable
gift. You can also call the non-profit organizations
for help. |
| |
How do I leave a gift in memory of a
person for a specific organization? |
| |
A gift
is a wonderful way to recognize someone who has
made a difference in your life. You may also want
to support a specific cause like research or a
new building. Memorial gifts can be arranged in
the same way you would leave a personal gift from
your estate. You simply need to make it clear that
you would like a gift given to a specific organization
in memory of a particular person. |
| |
Should I inform the charity that I have
left a gift? |
| |
It is
up to you. Many charities like to know what you
plan to do so they can recognize your generosity.
They can also tell you about specific opportunities
for giving. |
| 1 |
Prepare
a will. Without a will, you may lose control
of who receives your belongings. |
| 2 |
Leave
a gift in your will for the nonprofit and charitable
organizations that have made a difference in
your life. |
| 3 |
Leave
a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the
assets in your will to a nonprofit of your choice. |
| 4 |
Consider
using assets for your charitable gift. These
include but are not limited to cash, stock, bonds,
CDs, real estate, vehicles, art and jewelry.
Such gifts may even provide estate tax savings. |
| 5 |
Name
a nonprofit of your choice as the beneficiary
of your pension plan or IRA. |
| 6 |
Purchase
a new life insurance policy naming your preferred
charity as the beneficiary. |
| 7 |
Name
your favorite nonprofit as the beneficiary of
an existing life insurance policy. |
| 8 |
Remember
loved ones with memorial gifts to a charity of
your choice. |
| 9 |
Encourage
family and friends to leave gifts to nonprofits
in their wills. |
| 10 |
Ask
your financial advisor to include charitable
giving as part of counsel to clients. |
