F.A.Q
Frequently asked questions
about making a planned gift:
- Do I need
to have an estate to leave a gift?
- How do I
leave a gift to support the organizations I believe in?
- How can
I be sure that the organization I desire receives my gift?
- How do I
leave a gift in memory of a person?
- Who can
help me arrange a gift?
- Do I tell
the charity I’ve left the gift?
Do
I need to have an estate to leave a gift?
“Estate” is simply a word
used to describe any property money, or personal belongings
you have when you die. Most people leave an estate, even if
they don’t have a great deal of money. Anyone can arrange
to leave a charitable gift from his or her estate.
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How
do I leave a gift to support the organizations I believe in?
You can arrange to make a
gift in several ways; the most common is through your will.
You may set aside a specific dollar amount or designate a
percentage of your estate, life insurance, or any assets for
one or several organizations to receive. A charitable remainder
trust is another way to make your gift—providing income for
you for life and a gift to charity at your death.
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How
can I be sure that the organization I desire receives my gift?
To be certain that the non-profit
organization you support receives your gift, you should state
your intention and specifically name the organization in your
will. Without a will, you lose control over your belongings
after death. With a will, you—not the State—decide how your
property and finances are settled.
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How
do I leave a gift in memory of a person?
A planned gift is a wonderful
way to recognize someone who has made a difference in your
life or to honor an organization that has made a difference
in the life of a loved one. This kind of memorial gift can
be made in the same manner as your planned gift—through your
will or trust. You just need to make it clear that this gift
is made in memory of a particular person or for a specific
cause.
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Who
can help me arrange a gift?
If you are working with a
professional—like a financial planner, lawyer, accountant,
or insurance agent—please talk to them about leaving a gift.
Or, you can call the non-profit organization of your choice
for assistance in leaving a gift.
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Do
I tell the charity I’ve left the gift?
This is up to you. Charities
often like to know so they can recognize your generosity.
They may also be able to help you specify particular programs
to receive your gift and help you use the correct legal name
of the organization in your documents. Whether you let the
charity know or not is your decision.
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