Since 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs has had rural America’s back. With your help, we are a national leader in the movement to provide rural Americans a future that is just, equitable, and prosperous.
Your annual gifts make a big difference in getting this work done now, and your planned gifts will keep the train on the tracks in the future.
Here’s how you can make a difference and establish a legacy that reflects your values and priorities after you’re gone.
Bequests and beneficiary designations
The two most common types of planned giving are bequests and beneficiary designations. With these two options, you can provide a future gift by writing the Center for Rural Affairs into your will or trust, and/or by naming it the beneficiary of an account or insurance policy. After your death, your plans will be carried out.
Types of bequests... to be used in your will or trust
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Specific or direct bequest: Make a donation of a specific amount or asset.
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Percentage bequest: Leave a percentage of your estate.
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Residual bequest: Take care of others first, and leave the remainder, or residual, of your estate to our organization.
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Contingent bequest: Leave a contingent gift that only takes effect if one of your beneficiaries predeceases you.
We’ve put together sample bequest language in this document. The sample language is a guide; please seek out professional advice before finalizing the language in your will or trust.
Beneficiary designations
You can designate the Center for Rural Affairs as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy or of a retirement, investment, or bank account. After your death, your account or insurance policy will be distributed according to the beneficiary designation.
This method of charitable giving is simple, straight-forward, and can have a monumental impact. At the same time, it can reduce future tax burdens on your family in the form of an estate tax charitable deduction.
Beneficiary designation gifts are a flexible donation method. You are able to continue using your policy and account(s) as long as needed, and if anything changes, you’re able to adjust your designations.
To get started, contact the person who helps you with your account or insurance policy, such as your broker, banker, or insurance agent. They’ll need to send you a new beneficiary designation form. Contact us for the wording to use on your beneficiary designation form for your gift. Complete the form and return it to the sender.
Be in touch
Knowing that you’re considering us in your estate planning process helps us plan and allows us to acknowledge our generous donors. To inform us and to ask any questions, please reach us at 402.687.2100 or [email protected].
Feature photos: We support policy that expands economic opportunity for communities through clean energy development. Your gift helps us work to pass policy that works for rural America. | Center file photos
