Bequests

Including a charitable bequest in your will is an excellent way for many donors to provide lasting support for charities they care about and efficiently manage many of the issues surrounding the settlement of their estate. You may prefer to state in your will or trust:

  • a sum of money
  • a percentage of your estate
  • a specific asset (such as appreciated securities, real estate, etc.)

Making a bequest to National Philanthropic Trust is an easy way to transfer assets to charity.  Whatever form of bequest you choose, it is not subject to estate or inheritance taxes and so significantly reduces the tax burden of an estate. And, you can decide to do it at any age by adding to an existing will or drafting a new one.  In doing so you leave an enduring legacy to your community, while enjoying the assets you need to maintain your current lifestyle. 

Some of the most tax-efficient asset types to give through your will come from retirement plan accounts, since heirs would be taxed on the income in respect of the decedent. You can choose to give a stated dollar amount, a specific property, a percentage of your estate, the remainder after distributions to other beneficiaries, or you can make your gift contingent on certain events. 

  • You include National Philanthropic Trust in your will as a bequest; we can help you or your attorney with recommended language.
  • You determine the type of fund you would like to establish with your gift by completing our Donor Application Form.
  • Upon your death, we set up a donor advised fund in your name, in the name of your family, or in honor of any person or organization you choose.
  • Your charitable gift is excluded from your assets for estate tax purposes.
  • Our board issues grants in the name of the fund you establish (if you prefer, grants can be made anonymously).
  • We handle all the administrative details.
  • Your gift can be placed into an endowment that is invested over time. Earnings from your fund are used to make grants addressing community needs. Your gift — and all future earnings from your gift — is a permanent source of community capital, helping to do good work forever.

If you have thoughts about making a bequest part of your estate planning, we urge you to discuss the matter first with legal advisors.