Having a will is a way to create a secure future for your loved ones and have the confidence that your property will pass on to its intended beneficiaries – including the charities you support. A will expresses your wishes as to how your property is to be distributed after your lifetime. Through a written will, you name one or more persons, usually an executor or personal representative, to manage your estate until its final distribution. Leaving Imprints of Honor in your will is one of the easiest gifts to make, permitting you to leave a lasting legacy.

Through a trust, your assets are managed so they may extend into and well beyond your living years. You specify through the trust what assets are to be included, who is to manage and decide matters, who will benefit, and when and how long the benefits will be received. There are different types of trusts based on your desires and needs. The benefits of a charitable trust include letting you donate generously to the charities of your choice during and after your lifetime, while also receiving and providing significant tax savings for you and your beneficiaries.

A beneficiary designation, allows you to identify who receives ownership of certain assets after your lifetime. The designation can include any dollar amount, gift-specific property or a percentage of your estate. These types of designations are common with certain types of assets, such as retirement accounts, bank accounts, life insurance policies, and stock and investment securities. Typically your assets will not have to go through probate, a legal proceeding that can be time consuming and possibly very expensive.