We hope you'll consider including a gift to Easterseals Midwest in your will or living trust. Called a charitable bequest, this type of gift offers these main benefits:
Simplicity. Just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. Share the sample bequest language for Easter Seals with your estate planning attorney:
"I, [name], of [city, state ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Easter Seals [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."
Flexibility. Because you are not actually making a gift until after your lifetime, you can change your mind at any time.
Versatility. You can structure the bequest to leave a specific item or amount of money, make the gift contingent on certain events, or leave a percentage of your estate to us.
Tax Relief. If your estate is subject to estate tax, your gift is entitled to an estate tax charitable deduction for the gift's full value.
In general, a charitable bequest works for anyone who would like to support Easter Seals Midwest in the future. Because you can change your mind at any time and make your gift in relative proportion to bequests to family and friends, this type of gift has universal appeal.
Profile of a Giver
How It Works
To make a charitable bequest, you need a current will or revocable living trust.
Your gift can be made as a percentage of your estate. Or you can make a specific bequest by giving a certain amount of cash, securities or property. After your lifetime, Easter Seals receives your gift.
Putting Your Family First
When planning a future gift, it's sometimes difficult to determine what size donation will make sense. Emergencies happen, and you need to make sure your family is financially taken care of first. Including a bequest of a percentage of your estate ensures that your gift will remain proportionate no matter how your estate's value fluctuates over the years.
We Can Help
Contact us at 314-394-7100 or givenow@esmw.org with any questions about naming Easterseals Midwest in your will or living trust. We're happy to help, without obligation.