Is a Bequest Right for You?
A gift through your will or trust may be a good fit if you want to support our mission without affecting your financial security today, provide for your family first, and keep the freedom to adjust your plans as life changes.
It remains one of the most popular planned gifts because it is simple to arrange and easy to adapt to your goals. A bequest lets you:
- Retain full control of your assets during your lifetime.
- Provide for family and loved ones first.
- Give a gift of any size.
- Revise your plans if your circumstances change.
- Leave a lasting legacy that reflects your values.
Because it takes effect only after your lifetime, a bequest lets you support the people and causes you care about most — without using current income or assets, and without changing your lifestyle today.
Ways to Leave a Gift Through Your Will or Trust
Specific Bequest
You designate a specific dollar amount or particular asset to support our mission.
Percentage Bequest
You leave a percentage of your estate, allowing your gift to grow or shrink along with the value of your estate.
Residual Bequest
After provisions for your family, taxes, and other obligations have been satisfied, you direct all or part of what remains to support our work.
Contingent Bequest
You designate a charitable gift that takes effect only if certain circumstances occur, such as if other beneficiaries are no longer living.
Will My Family Still Come First?
Absolutely.
Most donors use their estate plans to care for spouses, children, grandchildren, and other loved ones first. A charitable bequest simply allows you to extend your legacy beyond your family and support causes that have been meaningful throughout your life.
Many donors find comfort in knowing they can provide for both.
Can I Change My Mind?
Yes.
One of the greatest advantages of a bequest is flexibility. As long as you maintain the legal capacity to do so, you may revise your will or trust if your circumstances, family situation, or charitable interests change.
For this reason, many people find a bequest to be one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to make a charitable gift.
How Will My Gift Be Used?
You may choose to:
- Support our greatest needs.
- Support a specific program or area of interest.
- Establish a named fund or endowment.
- Help ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of our mission.
If you are considering a restricted gift, we encourage you to contact us so we can discuss your wishes and ensure your intentions can be fulfilled.
Have You Created an Estate Plan?
A charitable bequest begins with a will or trust.
Many people are surprised to learn that they have not updated their estate plans in years — or may not have one at all. Taking the time to create or review your estate plan can help protect your loved ones, clarify your wishes, and ensure that the causes you care about are remembered.
→ Learn More: Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan
Sample Bequest Language
If you are considering a gift through your will or trust, we can provide sample language that you and your attorney may find helpful when preparing or updating your plans.
View Sample Bequest Language →We're Here to Help
If you have questions about including the American Cancer Society in your will or trust, or if you have already included us in your plans, we would welcome the opportunity to hear from you.
Please contact us for a confidential conversation about your charitable goals and the legacy you would like to leave.
