Gratitude and Generosity: How to Leave a Lasting Legacy Through Charitable Giving
When Thanksgiving rolls around, it’s not just about turkey and stuffing—it’s also a time to reflect on the blessings in your life and consider how you can give back. If you’re feeling especially grateful this season, you might want to think about how charitable giving can play a role in your estate plan. At Rosenberg Law Firm, we help you blend gratitude, generosity, and estate planning to leave a lasting legacy that reflects your values.
Donor-Advised Funds: The Flexible Giving Option
Donor-advised funds are a popular way to incorporate charitable giving into your estate plan. These funds allow you to contribute now, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to your favorite charities over time. You don’t have to decide right away which charity will benefit—you can take your time and make thoughtful decisions about how your contributions will be used.
For Coloradans with active lifestyles and strong community ties, donor-advised funds are an excellent way to support local causes, outdoor conservation efforts, or education programs that you care about. You have full control over how the funds are distributed, giving you the flexibility to make a lasting impact on the organizations you love.
Charitable Remainder Trusts: Giving with Benefits
A charitable remainder trust (CRT) allows you to leave a gift to your favorite charity while still benefiting from the assets during your lifetime. Here’s how it works: You transfer assets into the trust, and the trust pays you (or other beneficiaries) an income stream for life or a set number of years. When the trust term ends, the remaining assets go to the charity of your choice.
CRTs are great for people who want to give back but also need a reliable income stream. It’s a win-win situation—you support the causes you care about while enjoying financial benefits. This option is especially popular among individuals who want to donate real estate or other highly appreciated assets while reducing their tax burden.
Bequests: The Simple, Classic Approach
Leaving a bequest in your will is one of the simplest ways to make a lasting impact. Whether you’re supporting a local nonprofit, funding scientific research, or helping future generations through education grants, a bequest allows you to leave a meaningful gift without complicated planning. You can specify a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or even specific assets, like property or stocks, to be given to a charity of your choosing.
Bequests are an excellent way to ensure your legacy aligns with your values, and they provide flexibility—you can always update your will if your priorities shift.
Planning for a Charitable Legacy
Charitable giving doesn’t have to be limited to individual donations. You can integrate philanthropy into your overall estate plan through legacy planning. From creating a family foundation to endowing scholarships or establishing long-term funds, there are many ways to make your charitable giving last for generations.
At Rosenberg Law Firm, we help you develop a strategy that reflects your passions and values. Whether you’re passionate about education, environmental conservation, or community outreach, we’ll work with you to design an estate plan that supports your vision for the future.
Looking to leave a lasting legacy? Request a consultation today to explore charitable giving options that fit your estate planning goals.