Charitable Bequests

Including a charitable bequest in your will is a simple way to make a lasting gift to Youth Bridge. Our endowment fund at the Youth Bridge accepts such gifts, or your bequest may be used for a named fund that honors you or a family member and benefits our organization. Both of these types of permanent funds will strengthen our future and recognize your legacy of giving.

If you’re considering a charitable bequest, but have some concerns or insufficient information, you’re not alone. Here are some of the questions most often asked, and the responses to them.

Won’t making a charitable bequest be complicated and time consuming?

If you’ve given your time and attention to a cause in the past, taking the extra step to include it in your will makes good sense. Many people are surprised to learn that making a charitable bequest can be relatively simple. A bequest may be made as an addition to an existing will (codicil), or as part of an overall estate plan revision.

I want to provide for my family before making gifts to charity.

Share your ideas with your children or other family members. Creating a charitable bequest can provide a positive focal point in the estate planning process and can reinforce a family’s values; a named fund can serve as a meaningful legacy. You may decide to make a charitable gift contingent on individuals in your family receiving certain amounts. In the case of an estate that is subject to federal estate tax, a charitable bequest redirects money that would otherwise be paid in taxes.

I won’t be around to see my gift at work. How can I be sure it will be used wisely?

If you use a bequest to add to our endowment fund or create a named fund at the Youth Bridge, you can be sure your gift will have an impact far into the future. Funds at the Youth Bridge maintain strength over time while providing a dependable source of annual income. You can design a fund to provide an organization with unrestricted support, or with support that targets a specific need or program that is especially important to you.

How can I make sure my gift and my estate planning will remain private?

For someone who wants to give “quietly,” a charitable bequest is an excellent option. Your attorney can gather all necessary information on your behalf. Endowed funds at the Youth Bridge can help donors maintain anonymity within the greater community.

To learn more about including a charitable bequest in your will for Youth Bridge, please contact:

Nancy Hairston
479-575-9471
nhairston@youthbridge.com

Please note: This information should not be considered as legal, tax or financial advice. Consult your professional advisor for further information and guidance.