Do I need a lot of money to make a charitable bequest?

Making a charitable bequest is an act of giving almost anyone can do. Once you feel you have enough money to live comfortably and take care of family and special people, you may enjoy planning and incorporating charitable bequests to benefit special charities or causes, such as The Davies Project, far into the future for a noticeable impact in your community.

How do I do this?

A short phone call or meeting with your lawyer should be sufficient if you have an existing will or trust. Some people may not have yet set up a will or trust but there are estate attorneys in the area that would be happy to help.

How much should I leave?

Whatever amount you decide. Bequests of any size are welcome. One option is to name a specific dollar amount. Another is to leave a percentage of your estate’s value or the residual of your estate after other distributions are made. Your advisor can help you determine the amount that’s right for you. It really depends on how big an impact you want to make for The Davies Project.

Do I have to tell you how much money I leave?

No. You would not have to reveal the amount of the bequests. However, it would be very helpful to the charities you remember to be advised you have provided a future gift.

Does my charitable bequest have to be cash?

No. Other options include:

• Real assets such as property, house or condominium;
• Financial investments such as stocks, assets, bonds, certificates of deposit, or checking and saving accounts;
• A life insurance policy or retirement plan. You may arrange for this type of bequest by making The Davies Project a beneficiary for all – or a percentage of- remaining assets in your retirement plan.

What else should I do?

Let us know about your gift so we may thank you for your generosity.

Then, tell your friends! Research shows more than 90% of donors would consider adding gifts for charities to their wills. However, less than 10% of them do so, mainly, because, “It just never occurred to me.”

Contact Robin at robin@thedaviesproject.org or 517-214-3327 to discuss your legacy for children’s health and hope for families.