A legacy is money or property left to another... something of value handed down to an individual or organization... a gift to those whom you leave behind.
People from all walks of life can help their communities by leaving a legacy for the charities of their choice.
LEAVE A LEGACY® Arkansas does not solicit gifts for any particular organization. Instead, we work with all types of nonprofit groups and planned giving professionals to make all Arkansans aware of the opportunities to extend their charitable giving beyond their lifetimes.
Arranging a bequest
If you work with a professional such as a financial planner, lawyer, accountant or insurance agent, talk with him or her about the opportunities to include bequests for your favorite charities in your estate plan. It’s easy to update your will or trust to remember the charities that have touched your life. Or to add a favorite charity as a designated beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy. If tax benefits are important to you, a professional also can advise you about the various strategies to make efficient use of the tax laws designed to encourage charitable bequests. The development department of a charitable organization also can provide help (often at no cost to you). Additional information also is available to you on this web site under “Resources”.
Leaving a memorial
A charitable bequest is a wonderful way to recognize an organization or person who has made a difference in your life. You may also want to give to a specific cause like research or to a new building. This kind of memorial can be arranged in your will or trust, much in the same way that you would leave a bequest to a loved one. Your instructions should make it clear that the bequest is given in memory of a particular person or for a specific use.
Informing the charity
Providing advanced notice to a charity of a bequest is a personal choice. Charities often like to know of your generosity so they can recognize you during your lifetime. Your generosity also may inspire other donors to act. Specific opportunities may be available for designating your bequest for a particular purpose.
What’s Your legacy?
Think about the charities that have touched your life. Would you like to continue your support for them beyond your lifetime? For every $1 given annually to charity, a bequest of $20 can endow the annual gift. If you give $500 annually, a bequest of $10,000 could provide the charity with $500 in annual income - forever. It’s not hard to do the math. And it’s not hard to envision the potential impact of such bequests on the charities that play such important roles in our everyday lives.
Every gift, large or small, is vitally important. Don't miss your opportunity to make your mark. Contact us by email at Info@LeaveALegacyArkansas.org or by phone at 1.877.228.6611. We'll connect you with resources that will help you LEAVE A LEGACY®.
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