A. Definitely! Although very large gifts receive the most publicity, you can leave a gift of any amount. Thousands of Americans have given bequests through their wills, or have left a life insurance policy or a retirement plan to a nonprofit organization. All gifts are meaningful and greatly appreciated by the charities that receive them.

A. Fortunately, no, you do not need to re-think your entire estate plan in order to leave something to charity. You can simply ask your attorney to amend your will with a codicil so your favorite nonprofit organization(s) will be remembered.

A.There are many ways to include a bequest through your estate plan. You can leave a specific dollar amount, or you can name a percentage of your estate that will go to a charity. You can also leave specific assets, such as a certificate of deposit, securities, real estate, or some or all of your retirement plan assets. It is also easy to name a charity to receive a life insurance policy that your family may no longer need.

A. If you leave a tax-deferred retirement plan, such as an IRA, to an heir, they will have to pay income tax on the funds they receive. However, if you leave retirement assets to a charity, the funds will pass to the organization tax-free and leave other assets for your heirs.

A. Yes! You may want to speak with a professional advisor about setting up a charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity that will provide an immediate tax deduction and income to you, and will benefit a charity upon your death.

A. You should contact your attorney or financial advisor, a trust officer at your bank, or a development representative from your favorite charity.

For help connecting with an advisor, attorney, or development representative in Southeast Michigan, please contact us today.