Estate Gifts From Donor Advised Funds

It’s possible to provide a legacy to charity through beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts and most other financial arrangements, including bank accounts, CDs and brokerage accounts. These estate gifts don’t require making or changing a will and can be accomplished simply by requesting a new beneficiary form from the account manager.

Another option for friends who manage their charitable contributions through donor advised funds maintained by community foundations or financial services companies (Fidelity, Schwab and Vanguard, to name a few), is to name one or more charities to receive any balances remaining in those accounts at death. These beneficiary designations are subject to the terms of the donor advised fund agreements. Ask your account manager for details and the necessary forms.

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