A bequest is a gift made through a will, testamentary trust or codicil to a will or trust. Bequests may include cash, marketable securities, closely held stock, real estate, or tangible personal property.

According to a new study commissioned by the National Committee on Planned Giving, 11% of Americans have already earmarked money for charities in their wills or created another type of planned gift. And one out of four people surveyed (25%) plan to add a charitable bequest to their wills.

One of the survey's most interesting findings is that bequests and planned giving are not just done by seniors. In fact, more than two fifths of those who have set up gifts to charity in their wills are younger than 55.

So, why are bequests so popular-not only nationwide, but with JFCS donors?

Bequests enable donors to maintain ultimate control of their assets. To understand how this works, it may be helpful to think of your assets as two types of individual capital: personal capital and social capital. Personal capital is the portion of your estate that you control and can pass along as you wish to your designated heirs. Social capital is the portion of your estate that will be paid in taxes, unless you direct it to charitable giving.

With a charitable bequest in place, you retain control of your social capital. Instead of your hard-earned assets going to the government, which will use your money as it sees fit, you get to decide how your money will be spent, what it will accomplish, and who will administer your funds. You can then be confident that your assets will be managed effectively and used exactly as you direct.

• You Can Make a Real Impact
  Bequests allow individuals to make much larger gifts than they could during their lifetimes. This is particularly appealing to donors who want their gift to "amount to something," but haven't had the means to make a substantial donation before.
• You Can Honor or Memorialize a Loved One
  Bequests provide the opportunity to honor or memorialize a loved one through the establishment of a testamentary Named Continuity Fund
• You Enhance the Value of Your Estate
  Bequests enable savvy donors to avoid federal and state estate taxes. As with other financial decisions, it is important to consult legal counsel to maximize the benefits of your estate planning
• You Determine the Legacy You Leave Behind
  Bequests allow you to decide what your legacy will be and the kind of impact you have on the future. You can earmark your bequest for scholarships for low-income teens, homecare for frail seniors, emergency services for families in crisis, or simply for use where most needed. But whatever you choose, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your gift will live on, providing these services and improving people's lives for years to come. Just as you wanted. Just as you planned.

• Review your wishes with an attorney and/or financial advisor before making provisions for JFCS in your will or trust, or adding a codicil to your existing will
• Use JFCS's correct legal name ("I give and bequeath to Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties...)
• State your wishes as broadly as possible, because services and programs must remain flexible to meet the changing needs of our community

• to provide services to (type of individuals to be helped) ________________________________________________
  
  
• to establish (or add to) the [Named Fund in honor or memory of a loved one] ________________________________________________