Beneficiary Designations (Bequests)
A gift to GPLHS, your congregation, or other WELS ministry at time of death – a beneficiary designation (bequest) is the simplest type of planned gift to make and one of the easiest to implement.
The Details
A donor can leave a bequest to GPLHS, their congregation or another WELS ministry by including a promise in his or her will or trust. Property that passes through a beneficiary designation (such as IRAs, a specific item, a specific dollar amount, specific real estate, percentage of an estate, etc.) can be left by designating your chosen charity or charities as a beneficiary.
THE NEED
Many people want to leave a significant gift to charity. This gift may be more than they are able to give during their lifetime. They also want flexibility to change their mind if their circumstances change.
THE SOLUTION
Donors can retain ownership and use of their assets during life and still benefit one or more charitable organizations by leaving a gift to charity at the time of their death.
THE BENEFITS
Gift to Charity
The charity receives cash or property.
Tax Deduction
The amount given to charity is not subject to federal estate tax.
Flexible
Donors are able to use and control their assets during their lifetime.
THE DONOR
Bequest are gifts that anyone can make.
SPECIFIC ASSET BEQUESTS
Many bequests transfer a specific item to a beneficiary.
"I hereby give, devise and bequeath [Description of Property] to [Organization], a nonprofit organization located at [Address], Federal Tax ID#, for [Organization's] general use and purposes."
SPECIFIC AMOUNT
Another common transfer via a will is the gift of a specific dollar amount.
"I hereby give, devise and bequeath [$Dollars] to [Organization], a nonprofit organization located at [Address], Federal Tax ID#, for [Organization's] general use and purposes."
BEQUEST OF SPECIFIC REAL ESTATE
"I hereby give, devise and bequeath all of the right, title and interest in and to the real estate located at [Address or Description of Property] to [Organization], a nonprofit organization located at [Address], Federal Tax ID#, for [Organization's] general use and purposes."
BEQUEST OF PERCENTAGE OF ESTATE
"I hereby give, devise and bequeath [Percentage of Estate] to [Organization], a nonprofit organization located at [Address], Federal Tax ID#, for [Organization's] general use and purposes."