Legacy Giving in Wills and Trusts

This year has severely impacted nonprofit organizations around the world.  The Independent Sector released results of a nationwide survey of large and mid-size nonprofits. Among the results: 83% of those surveyed reported a decline in revenue and 71% said they had to reduce programs and services they offer.  

Hillsborough Wills & Trusts talked recently with one of our colleagues who helps lead a non-profit that positively impacts all those faced with a diagnosis of cancer. As Director of Estate and Gift Planning for the American Cancer Society (ACS), Jamie Knowles-Griffiths has been able to navigate these turbulent times in large part because of the generosity and foresight of donors who, many years ago, worked with a professional advisor and included the organization in their wills or trusts. Because of the thoughtfulness of many individuals who left ACS in their estate plans, the American Cancer Society received ~$140 million dollars in gifts through probate last year. These generous individuals could not have known what a tremendous contribution their gift would make for a charity struggling to raise money through the pandemic. Their legacy is a lifeline of funding for patient programs and lifesaving research during these uncertain times.

Including your favorite charity as a beneficiary in your will, trust, or IRA is a simple way to ensure that organization will continue its mission in the future. Whether you leave a percentage of your estate or a specific amount to that charity or include them as a beneficiary to your retirement account, it is a way to help ensure the organization will be funded in the future. 

If you are interested in making a charitable gift in your will or trust, please reach out to our great team at Hillsborough Wills & Trusts. We can help you plan for your family’s needs as well as your favorite nonprofit organizations.   You can also reach out to your charity of choice, as they may have ways to designate your future donation to a specific program and/or make the gift in honor or memory of a loved one.  In the case of the American Cancer Society, you can designate your gift to a specific kind of cancer research or make a geographic restriction to support patient programs in the community.  

The team at Hillsborough Wills & Trusts has the expertise to help you Build Your Circle of Security as you consider what kind of giving best fits your interests and wishes: https://hillsboroughwills.com/contact

And remember, cancer doesn’t stop during a pandemic.  Patients and their families continue to need services like their 1-800-ACS -2345, 24/7 help line.  Everyone is relying on cancer research breakthroughs to identify and develop better treatments and ultimately a cure for cancer.  Join the ACS in the fight by designating a charitable estate gift today!

For more information you can contact:

Jamie Knowles-Griffiths
Director of Estate and Gift Planning
American Cancer Society
919-270-3171
Jamie.Knowles-Griffiths@cancer.org