Major gifts, annual donations of $5,000 or more, offer donors an opportunity to make a substantial contribution to the mission and vision of Advocates for Youth. Major donors receive special recognition and exclusive benefits that are commensurate with their level of support. For more information about making a major gift, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Elizabeth Merck, Manager of Individual Giving, at (202) 419-3420 Ext. 24.

Planned gifts often allow individuals to make significant contributions to charity that they may not be able to make within their lifetime. The most popular type of planned gift is the charitable bequest.

More than half of adult Americans reportedly do not have a will. However, a will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. By preparing a will, you ensure that the right person will handle your estate, your death taxes will be minimized, your property and heirlooms will be distributed to those you love, and your children will be cared for by whomever you designate to be their guardian.

There are several types of charitable bequests:

• A fixed amount bequest directs that a charity receives a specific dollar amount.
• A percentage bequest dictates that a certain percentage of your estate be used to support a charity.
• A residual bequest designates that all or a portion of whatever remains after all debts, taxes, expenses, and other bequests have been paid be donated to a charity.
• A contingent bequest provides for a charity in the event that certain conditions are met. For instance, if your spouse does not survive you, you may want to provide for your favorite charity to ensure that property does not pass to unintended beneficiaries.
  

Obtaining a will is as simple as contacting your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, ask for recommendations from friends, family members, colleagues, or your local bar association. Costs are reasonable and will vary depending on your plans and the size of your estate.

If you would like to remember Advocates for Youth in your estate plans, sample bequest language has been provided for your convenience.
   
You may also want to consider other types of planned gifts such as designating Advocates for Youth as the beneficiary, co-beneficiary, or contingent beneficiary of your life insurance policy. IRAs, pensions, 401(k) plans, and other financial accounts may also allow you to designate Advocates as a beneficiary upon your death. 

For more information, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Elizabeth Merck, Manager of Individual Giving, at (202) 419-3420 Ext. 24

NOTE: The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or investment advice. Consult with your attorney or tax advisor to discuss your financial situation.