More Information
Please contact Charles Roelofs at 616-454-3080 or via e-mail at croelofs@acton.org.
The information contained on these pages is not intended as legal or tax advice but as general information on planned giving. Laws governing planned giving and estate planning will vary from state to state and on your individual circumstances. The Acton Institute encourages all planned gift donors to consult an independent advisor and/or attorney before finalizing the types of gifts covered in this material.
Bequests
Keep in mind that there are simple ways to update your will or living trust to include a charitable bequest without re-drafting the document.
It is possible to leave all or portions of your estate to the Acton Institute through a bequest in your will or living trust. A bequest is one of the simplest and most popular types of planned gifts. They can be made to the Acton Institute for a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a portion of the residual (what remains after you have made specific bequests to your family and others).
Surprisingly, it is estimated that less than 50% of Americans have a will. Dying without a will allows the government to distribute your property. Regardless of your charitable interests and personal circumstances, a will benefits your estate.
For those who want to support the mission of the Acton Institute but are unsure of potential future needs for their assets, a gift through your will or living trust is a great option.
Sample Bequest Language
I bequeath __________________________________ (describe dollar amount, property to be given, or proportion of your residuary estate) to the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty, a not-for-profit corporation located in Grand Rapids, MI (Tax ID #: 38-2926822), for general charitable purposes.