There are so many things to think about when we’re putting plans and documents in place for how to handle the assets that we have gathered over a lifetime. For most people, this is best accomplished by having a will or trust that is the roadmap for these plans. And more than you may realize, your will or trust also tells the story of your life and values.

If you’re like most people, you’ll leave the bulk of your assets to loved ones. But what else defined your life and the values you are imparting to your next generation? These values are often demonstrated by the organizations and causes you supported during your lifetime, like Safe Voices, and you can leave a portion of your assets to continue that legacy of support.

How does it work?

1. 1. You make Safe Voices a beneficiary in your will or trust.
2. 2. Safe Voices receives your gift when your estate is settled.

What are the options?

1. 1. Specify a dollar amount (“the sum of $1,000”)
2. 2. Specify a percentage (“2% of all liquid assets at the time of my death”)
3. 3. Give a specific asset (“100 shares of XYZ stock”)
4. 4. A “contingent” bequest (“in the event my spouse does not survive me…”)

This form is not required, but many folks planning their will and estate procedures have found it helpful to include this filled out form in their will (or attached to it) to leave their executor will all the information they need to make correct disbursements. It is also helpful for Safe Voices and our team (including our future team!) if you share a copy of this with us to keep on record. We appreciate you thinking of Safe Voices when planning your estate, truly.

For more information:

SafeVoices-BequestIntentionForm

In to adding gift language to your will, there are several other straightforward ways to plan a future donation to Safe Voices:

1. 1. Make Safe Voices a designated beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Like wills, these can be made in specific amounts or percentages.
2. 2. Make Safe Voices a designated beneficiary of an IRA or other retirement plan.
3. 3. Make Safe Voices a designated beneficiary of savings bonds.
4. 4. Instruct your bank to “pay on death” to Safe Voices some or all of a specific bank account.
5. 5. Instruct your brokerage firm to “transfer on death” to Safe Voices some or all of a specific brokerage or other financial account.

Please let us know if you have included us in your estate plans. We would welcome the opportunity to thank you, and to ensure that our current and future staff members are prepared for how to handle your donation when it arrives.