Summer 2003

Plan to Give - Keeping it Simple

Has a charity that you support ever sent you information about planned giving? If so, you may have read about gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, lead trusts and gifts of life insurance. The truth of the matter is, however, that almost all planned gifts made to nonprofit organizations are simple bequests left in adonor’s will.

A planned gift is made when you decide to leave a large gift to a nonprofit organization. Like buying a house or paying for college tuition, it requires some forethought. Ultimately, though, most people discover that including a charity like the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind in their will is the simplest way to proceed. After all, your will is probably already the single most important document to you and your loved ones. This document provides clear and specific instructions regarding the transfer of your assets after your death. These assets can include your house, property, cash, stocks, bonds, collectibles and more -- anything you want to leave to your loved ones or to charity.

Most people think they must be wealthy to have a will. Nothing is further from the truth. An estate can be $1,000 to $1,000,000, and each estate should be treated with equal care. By preparing a will now, your estate can avoid unnecessary delays, legal complications and substantial tax implications. A will is also very commonly used to leave a lasting gift to a nonprofit organization like the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind.

Before consulting with your attorney to create or amend your will, you might ask yourself these four simple questions:
• What do I want to include in my will? (All of the things that you own make up your estate. Sit down and make a list of things you want to make sure and cover in your will.)
• Who do I want to leave these things to?
• Is there any special way I want to leave these things to the people and organizations I love?
• Before signing your will: Do I thoroughly understand this document?

Of course, you should consult with an attorney while creating your will, just as you would with any other important legal document. If you do leave the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind in your will, it is always a good idea to notify us. This ensures that your gift is received by the Lighthouse uncontested and that we can carry out your wishes. If you have any questions about wills, bequests or other ways to make planned gifts, please contact Kirk Adams, Director of Public Relations and Resource Development at 206-436-2110 or kadams@seattlelh.org.

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