Legacy & Planned Giving
Leave a planned gift in your will.
Your gift to The Ehlers-Danlos Society is an important source of support. Your gift could be used to fund life-changing support services, increase the availability of clinical services for people living with EDS and HSD, decrease the diagnostic journey, fund new and continued research, and provide education opportunities for community members, community leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals.
With your help, we can transform the future for all the Zebras in the world.
What is a legacy gift?
A legacy gift, also known as a planned gift or bequest, is a donation made as part of a donor’s overall estate plan. This kind of donation is arranged during the donor’s lifetime but it is not financially donated until after the donor’s passing.
Types of legacy gifts can include:
- Bequest: Gifts made through a will or living trust offering an amount or percentage of an asset to be donated.
- Charitable Gift Annuities: The donor makes a substantial gift to a charity in exchange for a fixed annual income for life. The remaining funds go to the charity after the donor’s passing.
- Charitable Lead Trust: A trust that provides income to a charity for a set period, after which the remaining assets revert to the donor or other beneficiaries.
- Life Insurance Policies: Donors can include a charity as the beneficiary of their policy or transfer ownership of the policy to the charity.
- Retirement Plans: Donors can select a charity as the beneficiary of their retirement accounts, such as IRAs or 401(k)s. This also can be tax efficient since charities do not pay taxes on these assets.
- Stocks and Securities: Donors can transfer stocks, bonds, or other securities to a charity.
- Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Donors contribute to a DAF, receiving immediate tax deductions, and can recommend grants to their chosen charity of choice over time.
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How to leave a gift in your will
The Ehlers-Danlos Society has teamed up with LifeLegacy to support with our legacy giving and planned giving options. LifeLegacy was created to help more people leave planned gifts to the charities they love. This is accomplished by using their online planner to generate bequests. LifeLegacy will work directly with you to create a legacy plan that is best fit for you, free of charge.
By clicking the button below, you will be taken straight to their legacy giving page where you can create a will, set up an advanced healthcare directive, or notify us of your intentions using their simple step-by-step system.
We are here to help
We understand the importance of thoughtful estate planning and want to ensure you feel at ease when including The Ehlers-Danlos Society in your will, IRA, financial power of attorney, or advance healthcare directive. We are here to guide you through the process, ensuring your legacy aligns with your values and intentions. By choosing to leave a bequest to The Ehlers-Danlos Society, you create a lasting impact that extends your compassion and support well into the future.
If you have any questions about leaving a gift in your will or require any assistance then please do reach out to us on +1-410-670-7577 or +44-203-887-6132 or email us on [email protected].
FAQs
How do I leave a gift to The Ehlers-Danlos Society in my will?
Follow the link to the LifeLegacy platform above, to begin writing your last will and testament. By using the link it will automatically give you the option to leave to The Ehlers-Danlos Society as part of your legacy plans.
Do I need to tell The Ehlers-Danlos Society that I left them a gift in my will?
LifeLegacy will notify us if you select us to be a beneficiary of any giving. However, we always love to hear from you so please feel free to reach out to our Development Director, Danielle Hohlier.
Why should I prepare a will?
Wills can distribute your property to your loved ones, name an executor to wrap up your affairs and identify guardians for children. Having a will also means that you, rather than the state you live in get to decide who receives your assets when you pass.
Can I update or edit my will?
Yes. Through your LifeLegacy account, updating and editing your will is straightforward.
What will I need to create my will?
- You will want to have an idea of who you would like to appoint as an executor of your will. It’s also a good idea to have an alternative executor in case something should happen to your primary executor.
- You will be asked for marital status and family status i.e. children and plans of what you will want to leave to them in your will.
- Once the will is created you will need to have two witnesses sign the document and then have a notary sign it to make it official.
- If you have any receipts of any physical asset you will have an opportunity to upload those.
