In life,
most people
require some
kind of
assistance,
whether it's
physical,
financial or
spiritual.
Perhaps a
local church
congregation
or food bank
supplied
meals during
a tough
time. Maybe
you were
given a
scholarship
that made
the dream of
college
possible.
You or a
loved one
may have
been shown
especially
compassionate
care in the
hospital
during an
illness or
injury.
And during life's struggles, we are often reminded that more must be done to continue positive, humane acts of kindness, and to sustain programs for personal enrichment. We wish more funding were available for medical research, for domestic abuse shelters, or a treasured arts or music program.
Charitable organizations need financial assistance from people like you to continue their work. More than 80 percent of Americans contribute to the nonprofit groups of their choice throughout their lifetimes. But according to research conducted in 2000, only around eight percent of people chose to continue this support through a charitable bequest.
By making bequests and other "planned gifts", you can continue to help organizations that are making an important difference in your community. What better way to thank the people or organizations that have had an impact on your life, than to make a contribution from your estate through a bequest?
Gifts large and small are important. Charitable giving is not only for the wealthy!
"I have children and relatives. Shouldn't I leave my entire estate to them?" This is perhaps the number one cause for reluctance when making a bequest. Often people wish to ensure their family and loved ones are cared for...and we're not suggesting you change the way you think. Part of making a charitable bequest is demonstrating your values and beliefs to your family, reinforcing what you have done during life and setting an example of kindness to people you may never know, but wish to assist. You become an immortal philanthropist.
Also, the truth is that, depending on the current tax laws, leaving a gift to charity in your will may reduce the estate tax burden on your heirs. You should consult with a financial advisor or attorney to learn how giving may actually benefit your family after you're gone.
To learn more about what types of tools are available in charitable giving, CLICK HERE to go to our Guide To Planned Giving page.
And during life's struggles, we are often reminded that more must be done to continue positive, humane acts of kindness, and to sustain programs for personal enrichment. We wish more funding were available for medical research, for domestic abuse shelters, or a treasured arts or music program.
Charitable organizations need financial assistance from people like you to continue their work. More than 80 percent of Americans contribute to the nonprofit groups of their choice throughout their lifetimes. But according to research conducted in 2000, only around eight percent of people chose to continue this support through a charitable bequest.
By making bequests and other "planned gifts", you can continue to help organizations that are making an important difference in your community. What better way to thank the people or organizations that have had an impact on your life, than to make a contribution from your estate through a bequest?
Gifts large and small are important. Charitable giving is not only for the wealthy!
"I have children and relatives. Shouldn't I leave my entire estate to them?" This is perhaps the number one cause for reluctance when making a bequest. Often people wish to ensure their family and loved ones are cared for...and we're not suggesting you change the way you think. Part of making a charitable bequest is demonstrating your values and beliefs to your family, reinforcing what you have done during life and setting an example of kindness to people you may never know, but wish to assist. You become an immortal philanthropist.
Also, the truth is that, depending on the current tax laws, leaving a gift to charity in your will may reduce the estate tax burden on your heirs. You should consult with a financial advisor or attorney to learn how giving may actually benefit your family after you're gone.
To learn more about what types of tools are available in charitable giving, CLICK HERE to go to our Guide To Planned Giving page.