Bequest – The gift that builds our future

An easy and low cost way to make a planned gift to ECS is to include ECS in your will or revocable trust. Bequests are a major source of endowment support at ECS. Each individual legacy contributes to our financial strength. If you have not already done so, please consider putting ECS in your will or revocable trust.

Types of bequests

You can give almost any kind of asset to ECS through a bequest, including cash, securities, an interest in real estate (such as a residence), tangible personal property (such as works of art or antiques) or the remainder of your IRA, Keogh, tax-sheltered annuity, qualified pension or profit-sharing plan. Ask your attorney about your bequest options, such as specific bequests, residuary bequests, testamentary trusts and QTip trusts.

Tax benefits

A charitable bequest is deductible for federal estate tax purposes, and there is no limit on the amount of the estate tax charitable deduction your estate can take. In addition, bequests generally are not subject to state inheritance or estate taxes. In a large estate, the savings can be more than half the value of the bequest.

How to make a bequest

A bequest to ECS can be made by creating a new will, adding to your existing will, or including ECS in your revocable trust. If you include ECS in a bequest provision, please notify Claudia Stowersso that we may include you in City Mission Legacy Society. Your notification will be treated confidentially.

Samples of bequest language

The following examples can be tailored to your interests. Be sure to consult your attorney for assistance in making a bequest.

• Unrestricted bequest
  "I give (_______ dollars) (a specific asset) or (___percent of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate) to ECS, the charitable, tax-exempt organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for its general purposes."
  
  
• Bequest for a specific purpose
  "I give (______dollars) (a specific asset) or (___percent of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate) to ECS, the charitable, tax-exempt organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to be used for the following purpose: (state the purpose).
  
  NOTE: If you wish to restrict your bequest to a specific purpose or program at ECS, please contact Claudia Stowers in advance to make sure the language you use will accomplish your wishes and aligns with ECS’s needs.
  
  
• Endowment funds for restricted purposes
  If your bequest will be used to establish an endowment fund for a restricted purpose, we urge you and your counsel to consider adding a “saving clause” to your bequest provision. A “saving clause” is a way to ensure the usefulness and relevance of your bequest in the future as ECS’s needs and circumstances change. For example: “If, in the future, it is the opinion of the Board of Trustees of ECS that all or part of the income of this fund cannot be usefully applied to such purpose, it may be used for any related purpose which, in the sole opinion of the Board of Trustees, will most nearly accomplish my wishes."
  
  

Be sure to Consult your legal and tax advisors before making any material decisions based on this information.

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For more information

E-mail us, complete the Personal Illustration form, or call us at (215)351-1460 so that we can assist you.