Four Great Ways to Leave a Legacy

For more than 100 years, the League of Women Voters of California has been working to make democracy work better whether it’s to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Our work has had an impact on the quality of civic discourse in California.

Everything we have accomplished, we have done so together. Our work has been successful and will be successful in the future because of the partnership and support of individuals who have made a financial commitment to the LWVC. In addition to immediate gifts, there are several ways you can support the LWVC in the future. These options are outlined in more detail below.

As you will see, giving through your estate and financial plans can take many forms, but the simplest way to accomplish this is through a gift in your will or living trust.

1. LEAVE A GIFT THAT COSTS YOU NOTHING NOW

Consider leaving a gift in your will or trust to the LWVC. You can take care of family and friends first and donate a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate. Provide your attorney with our official name and tax identification number. 

2. DONATE RETIREMENT ASSETS

Because retirement plans are taxed differently than other funds, they can be the least pleasant way to leave a gift to loved ones. Leaving retirement assets to a charity is easy, and you don’t need a will. Simply update your beneficiary designation form with your plan administrator

3. DONATE A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY YOU NO LONGER NEED

You can update the beneficiaries of your insurance policy at any time by requesting a new form from your insurer. You can name LWVC to receive the whole amount or a percentage.

4. DIRECT YOUR DONOR ADVISED FUND

You can name the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund as a beneficiary of whatever is left in your donor-advised fund after your lifetime. As with retirement accounts and life insurance, it’s as easy as updating your beneficiary form.

Take the next step and email Kristy Oriol, LWVC Development Director, at koriol@lwvc.org for more information.

Please note: This information is not intended as tax or legal advice. We recommend that you consult with your legal and financial advisors to learn how a gift would work in your circumstances. Laws and regulations governing all gifts and availability of certain life income gifts vary by state.