How To Support the Causes You Care About

The Planned Giving Hub

Planned giving, also known as legacy giving or charitable bequests, allows individuals to leave a lasting impact by including charitable organizations in their estate plans.

Are you part of an organization looking to develop or improve your planned giving strategies? Visit our Planned Giving Roadmap for Organizations to access expert guidance and tailored resources to build a successful program.

hands holding a heart shaped puzzle

Table of Contents

Key Things To Know

Planned giving is a way to make a lasting impact by supporting the organizations and causes you care about—often in a way that aligns with your financial goals and estate plans.

  • Planned gifts can take many forms: Common types include bequests in a will, beneficiary designations on retirement or life insurance accounts, charitable gift annuities, trusts, or gifts of appreciated assets like stock or real estate.
  • You don’t have to be wealthy to make a meaningful gift: Planned giving is accessible to people at all income levels. Even modest gifts can make a long-term difference for nonprofit organizations.
  • Bequests are the most common type of planned gift: You can leave a fixed amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific asset to a nonprofit in your will or trust.
  • Beneficiary designations are simple and powerful: Naming a charity as a beneficiary on an IRA, 401(k), or life insurance policy is an easy way to leave a legacy—often without changing your will.
  • Planned gifts may offer tax advantages: Some giving strategies can reduce income, capital gains, or estate taxes, depending on your financial situation and the type of gift.
  • Charitable trusts can provide income during your lifetime: Options like charitable remainder trusts or charitable lead trusts can offer income to you or your heirs while eventually benefiting a nonprofit.
  • You should coordinate planned gifts with your overall estate plan: Work with your financial advisor or estate attorney to make sure your giving strategy aligns with your broader goals for family, taxes, and asset distribution.
  • You can designate how your gift is used: Many nonprofits allow you to restrict your gift to a specific program or initiative, or you can leave it unrestricted to support general operations.
  • Letting the organization know about your gift is helpful: While not required, notifying the nonprofit allows them to thank you, document your intentions, and invite you to legacy recognition groups.
  • Planned giving is about values as much as assets: It’s a way to tell your story, pass on your beliefs, and invest in the future of the communities and causes that matter to you.

Resources

You shouldn't have to navigate planned giving on your own. Fortunately, we have the resources and tools to guide you every step of the way.

Planned Giving 101

Understand how planned giving works and its benefits.

Learn the Basics

Why Is Planned Giving Important?

Explore why supporting charities through your estate matters.
Find Out Why

Choosing the Right Charities for Your Planned Giving Strategy

How to prudently include charities in your estate plan.

Read the Article

Planned Giving Checklist

Ensure your charitable intentions are documented, legally sound, and aligned with your legacy goals.
Get The Checklist

Planned Giving Templates

While planned giving can be as simple as adding a bequest to your will, the guidance and expertise of a subject matter expert can provide invaluable benefits, including confidence that your wishes will be honored and your gift optimized for financial impact. To connect with a planned giving expert near you, visit the Buried in Work directories.

The following templates are included in our Planned Giving Template Bundle.

The Bequest Language Template provides clear and customizable wording for different types of planned giving bequests, including general, specific, residuary, contingent, and restricted gifts. It helps donors ensure their charitable wishes are accurately reflected in their wills or trusts, offering flexibility to support an organization’s general needs or specific programs.

The Beneficiary Designation Form Template allows donors to name a charitable organization as a beneficiary of financial accounts, insurance policies, retirement plans, or other assets. This template simplifies the process of planned giving without requiring changes to a will or trust. Use it when you want to ensure your charitable legacy by directly designating a nonprofit to receive proceeds upon your passing. It's an efficient way to support your favorite cause while maintaining control over your assets during your lifetime.

This Letter of Intent for Planned Giving Template helps donors formally notify a charity of their planned gift, including details such as the type of gift, intended purpose, and any restrictions or special wishes. While not legally binding, it ensures the organization is aware of your commitment, can plan accordingly, and honors your preferences for recognition or anonymity. Use this template to communicate your legacy intentions clearly and effectively.

This Charitable Gift Annuity Agreement Template outlines the terms for a donor to make a charitable gift in exchange for fixed lifetime income payments. It covers essential details like contribution amount, annuity payments, and beneficiary information. This agreement benefits both the donor, through guaranteed income and potential tax deductions, and the charity, which retains the remaining principal after the donor’s lifetime.

Money Tree

How to Create a Planned Giving Strategy

hands holding a heart shaped puzzle

Faith-Based Philanthropy: How Planned Giving Can Support Your Religious Values and Legacy

hands holding a heart shaped puzzle

7 Things to Know About a Letter of Intent for Planned Giving

hands holding a heart shaped puzzle

6 Things to Know About Charitable Gift Annuity Agreements

Frequently Asked Questions

Planned giving, also known as legacy giving, is a way to support charitable organizations through your estate plan. This includes gifts made through wills, trusts, retirement accounts, life insurance, or other financial tools.

Planned giving allows you to leave a lasting impact on causes you care about while potentially providing tax benefits for your estate. It’s a way to ensure your values live on and inspire future generations.

  • Bequests: Gifts specified in your will or trust.
  • Retirement Assets: Naming a charity as a beneficiary of your 401(k) or IRA.
  • Life Insurance: Donating a policy or naming a charity as a beneficiary.
  • Charitable Trusts: Setting up a trust that benefits both your heirs and a charity.
  • Real Estate and Property: Donating tangible assets like real estate or collectibles.
  • Endowments: Establishing a fund that supports the charity perpetually.

Yes, many organizations allow you to specify how your gift will be used, whether for general purposes or specific programs. Some donors also create endowments to fund a cause over time.

Planned giving can reduce estate taxes, provide income tax deductions, and avoid capital gains taxes on donated assets. Consult with a financial advisor or estate planning attorney to understand the specifics for your situation.

No! Planned giving is for everyone. Gifts of any size, including smaller contributions like a percentage of your estate or life insurance policy, can make a meaningful impact.

Start by identifying causes you care about, then consult with an estate planning attorney or financial advisor to explore your options and ensure your gift aligns with your financial and legacy goals.

Yes, it’s a good idea to inform the charity so they can understand your intentions, provide guidance, and recognize your generosity if desired.

Most planned gifts, such as those made through a will or revocable trust, can be modified or revoked at any time during your lifetime.

Work closely with your chosen charity to discuss your intentions and specify how your gift should be used. This ensures your legacy reflects your priorities.

While it’s not always required to have an attorney to integrate planned giving into your estate plan, consulting one is highly recommended. An attorney who specializes in estate planning can help ensure your wishes are legally sound, minimize tax implications, and make sure your planned gift is structured properly. Simple options, like naming a charity as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy, can often be done without legal assistance. However, for more complex gifts, such as bequests in a will, charitable trusts, or endowments, professional guidance provides peace of mind and ensures your legacy is protected.

Information Hub Feedback & Suggestions

Do you have a question, suggestion, or idea on how to improve this Information Hub? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and by Buried in Work is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or subject matter expert for advice specific to your situation.