Choosing a Charity When Estate Planning – 4 Steps
Step 1: Decide on a cause.
There are an endless number of charities that support numerous different causes, each of which is important. It’s not possible to donate money to every worthy cause, so you should pick one, or several, with which you most strongly identify.
Step 2: Research the charity.
Not all charities are equal, and some of them are downright dishonest. The American Institute of Philanthropy recommends that at least 60 percent of any donation should go to the charity itself and not to overhead or other expenses. Research your potential charities carefully before you make any decision about who should receive your money.
Step 3: Determine the amount.
Always make sure that the amount you give to charity is something that you are comfortable with. Though the charity may want more from you, you must be happy that your estate plan meets your other desires, such as providing for your family, children and loved ones.
Step 4: Write it down.
Once you have decided on the charities you want to donate to, make sure you inform your estate planning attorney so he or she can make adequate inclusions in your plan. It isn’t enough to simply express your wishes to donate to charity after you die, and you must create some concrete form that records your wishes. This is typically done by creating a last will and testament, trust, or other instrument through which you can give a donation.
Author Bio
Catherine Hammond is the CEO and founder of Hammond Law Group, a Colorado-based estate planning law firm she founded in 2005. With a strong focus on protecting families from the legal consequences of disability and death, she creates comprehensive estate plans that minimize taxes, costs, and government interference.
A native of Denver, Catherine completed her undergraduate studies at Coe College in Iowa, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of Law in 1993, concentrating on estate planning, tax, and mediation. Catherine is a member of various professional organizations, including WealthCounsel, ElderCounsel, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Colorado Springs Estate Planning Council, and the Purposeful Planning Institute. Beyond her legal expertise, Catherine provides transformational coaching to support clients and their families through life transitions.
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