April 12, 2018
The most common method of making a charitable gift from one’s estate is through a testamentary bequest from a will or a revocable (living) trust. In addition to ensuring that your wishes are documented and will be used for the charitable purpose you intend, a gift made using this method also removes the designated assets from your taxable estate at death.
In order to create or modify a will or revocable (living) trust, you will need the assistance of an estate planning attorney, so unlike with beneficiary designations, some expense is involved. It is advisable for most everyone to have at least a simple will in place so that your property may be distributed as you wish at death. In cases where persons die intestate (that is, without a valid will or revocable (living) trust) the court makes the determination as to who has the right to receive your property. You have the ability to make these decisions yourself during life, to include making charitable gifts from your estate, by creating an estate plan. For most people, a will is all that is needed to ensure gifts to heirs and to charity, but for some a revocable (living) trust, which avoids probate and is more private, may be preferable. Your attorney can advise you on what is best in your situation.
When including MPA in your estate plan, we recommend the following bequest language: “I give (the sum, percentage or description of property) to Mounds Park Academy, Saint Paul, Minnesota, to be used (either to benefit a specific or fund program at the school, or “where the need is greatest”). As with beneficiary designations, once a bequest is put in place, you may notify MPA of your future gift by completing and returning a Letter of Intent form.
Also, as with beneficiary designations, charitable bequests from wills and revocable (living) trusts may be modified or terminated during your lifetime. However, as indicated above, because legal documents are involved, an attorney should be employed to make any modifications and some expense will be incurred.
The information presented here is general in nature and is not intended to be, or a substitute for, professional legal advice.
The MPA Legacy Society honors families and individuals who have made provisions for Mounds Park Academy in their estate plans that will provide for the school’s future. For more information about planned giving and joining the Legacy Society, please contact Ashley Goetzke, Capital Campaign & Stewardship Manager, via email or at 651-748-5536.
