You Can Create Your Own Legacy!
Is making a difference important to you? The good news is you don’t have to be Andrew Carnegie or Bill Gates to start a meaningful philanthropic legacy. In addition to supporting the work of CLL Society through donations today, consider making a legacy (planned) gift commitment for the future.
What is Legacy Giving?
Legacy Giving, simply put, is the transfer of assets to CLL Society as part of your estate plan. This forward-thinking approach to giving is called “planned” because often these assets are transferred via a will, trust or other written means at some point in the future or after your lifetime. So, it is planned now but paid out in the future, and you can receive tax and other benefits now. When you plan a legacy gift to CLL Society, you make an impact for those affected by CLL long into the future. Are we part of your legacy plan?
It’s Easy!
Legacy giving is easy to do, and you don’t have to be wealthy to do it. Whether it is naming CLL Society in your will or trust for a modest amount, naming us as a beneficiary of a retirement plan or life insurance policy, or leaving a gift of property, there is an easy option that is right for you.
It Can Provide Tax Benefits
Depending upon the type of gift, short-term and/or long-term tax benefits may apply. Be sure to consult with your financial or estate planner for more specifics.
It Can Involve Assets You May Not Think of (or even need)
A life insurance policy. Real estate. Stocks. Business holdings. A checking or savings account. These are all assets that can be leveraged in planned gifts.
It is Long Remembered!
Designating a planned gift automatically makes you a member of CLL Society’s Legacy Circle. Legacy Society members receive recognition in publications, or you can choose to keep your gift anonymous. Either way, you have the satisfaction of knowing that your decision will impact lives long into the future. In addition to the satisfaction of making a meaningful gift, most planned gifts have immediate and/or long-term tax benefits. The list below can help you find the type of gift that is right for you. Consult with your financial advisor or estate planner and join the CLL Society Legacy Society today.
Here are a couple of the most common ways of leaving a legacy gift:
Legacy Giving Through a Charitable Bequest
A bequest is one of the easiest and most flexible legacy gifts you can make. In fact, it usually means simply adding one or two sentences to your will or trust to include language specifying a gift to be made to CLL Society as part of your estate plan. There is no minimum amount, so you can specify a percentage of your assets, a specific dollar amount, or the residual (whatever is left after taking care of family and loved ones). CLL Society can provide specific language for you to include in your will or trust.
Benefits of making a bequest
- Receive an estate charitable tax deduction
- Reduce the burden of taxes on your family
- Continue to use all of your assets as you need them
- Have a lasting impact on the CLL community
Legacy Giving Through a Beneficiary Designation
A beneficiary designation gift is a simple and affordable way to make a gift to support CLL Society. You can designate CLL Society as a beneficiary of:
- your retirement account (IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or pension)
- an investment or bank account
- a life insurance policy
Benefits of a beneficiary designation gift
- Simplify your planning and avoid legal fees
- Reduce the burden of taxes on your family
- Receive an estate charitable tax deduction
- Continue to use your account as long as you need it
- Have a lasting impact on the CLL community
How it works
Just contact the person who helps you with your account or insurance policy, such as your broker, banker or insurance agent. Ask them to send you a new beneficiary designation form. Complete the form, sign it and mail it back to your broker, banker or agent (depending on your broker, you may be able to do this online). When you pass away, your account or insurance policy will be paid or transferred to CLL Society, consistent with your beneficiary designation.
If you are concerned about your future financial needs, keep in mind that beneficiary designation gifts are among the most flexible of all charitable gifts. Even after you complete the beneficiary designation form, you can take distributions or withdrawals from your retirement, investment or bank account and continue to freely use your account. You can also change your mind at any time in the future for any reason, including if you have a loved one who needs your financial help.
CLL Society is Here to Help
The development staff at CLL Society is happy to help you understand your options and guide you to make the decision that is best for you and your family. Please contact us today to learn about legacy giving opportunities.
Let Us Know About Your Legacy Gift
Have you already made CLL Society part of your legacy through a gift in your will or estate plan? Please let us know so that we can honor your generosity and better plan for the future, by filling out our form.
