There are a number of ways to combine charitable gifts (also known as bequests) with your estate plans.

Gifts can take the following forms:

A specific amount: You can direct that a particular dollar amount be transferred to one or more charities.

Specific property: You can designate that a certain asset, such as real estate, artwork or other valuables, be used to fund a charitable gift. Such a bequest should be worded carefully, as the assets you own may change over time.

A percentage: A percentage of your estate can be designated for charitable purposes, thus ensuring that your gifts remain in proportion to other bequests.

All or a portion of the residue: You can provide that charitable gifts be made from what is left after all other gifts to loved ones have been fulfilled.

Additionally, you may include provisions for ROLDA through beneficiary designations of living trusts, life insurance proceeds or retirement plan assets that may remain at death.