Legacy Gifts
So much has changed since ALIVE! began over 50 years ago. ALIVE! depends on regular contributions from generations of supporters. Legacy gifts through estate planning, wills, and trusts are lasting contributions that ensure ALIVE! services continue into the future.
What is the ALIVE! Legacy Society?
The ALIVE! Legacy Society is a community of ALIVE! friends and supporters who have provided for ALIVE! in their wills or trusts, or who have formally expressed the intent to do so.
How can I make a bequest?
- Complete the ALIVE! Bequest Form.
- Mail to: ALIVE!, 2723 King Street Alexandria, Virginia 22302
Please note our legal name is Alive Inc.
Do I really need a will?
Yes. Every adult can and should leave instructions as to what will become of their property when they no longer need it. In the absence of these instructions, state laws take over and your property may be distributed to distant relatives or, if none are found, possibly to the state itself.
But I don’t really have an “estate.”
If you take time to record all of the property you own, you may be surprised to see that it begins to add up. If you would like particular items to go to certain individuals, your will can help accomplish those wishes. Regardless of the size of your estate, you can benefit by taking the time to see an attorney and have a simple will drafted.
What if I already have a will?
Your will may be just fine as is, but many people find that changes in circumstances may affect their plans. Marriages, births, deaths, divorces, and other changes, such as moving to another state, are all good reasons for reviewing a will. This may be the time to take action and leave part of your legacy to worthy causes and institutions including ALIVE!.
What about trusts?
More and more people have supplemented their estate plans with a tool known as a revocable living trust. Property may be transferred at death via instructions in the trust just as it would with a typical will. A revocable living trust provides for the management of assets while the creator of the trust is still living and may help save estate taxes. A trust may also be useful in providing support for dependents.
With such a trust, do I still need a will?
Yes. You will still need at least a simple will to take care of “loose ends.” Such a will may simply direct that any property not already in the trust be transferred to it to be handled along with the other trust assets.
Is this planning expensive?
That depends on the complexity of your situation. In most cases, the cost of planning is much less than you might think and maybe less than the fees, bonds, and taxes that might be due unnecessarily in the absence of good planning. An attorney should be willing to give you a fee estimate in advance to help you make your decision.
Leaving a legacy
One of the most satisfying things about estate planning is making decisions to benefit some of the worthy organizations to which you are most deeply committed. In fact, many of the most significant gifts that non-profits receive come from the estates of regular contributors who decide to share a portion of their accumulated assets later on, after taking care of family and friends. ALIVE!’s long-term stability is based on solid planning, which will ensure that we are here in the future to serve the most vulnerable Alexandians. Your thoughtful choice to include ALIVE! in your estate plans would go a long way towards helping make this future a reality. You may choose to give a percentage of your estate, or all or part of the residue after all other bequests are made. Specific sums and other properties are also welcome.
Is my will private?
Unless you choose to share it, your will remains private as long as you are living. Upon death, wills generally become part of the public record available from the court. Trusts, on the other hand, can remain confidential. If you choose to remember ALIVE! in your plans, please let us know so we may say, “Thank you!” If you prefer, we will keep your bequest intention confidential. We fully understand if you prefer not to share specific amounts or if you have no way of knowing what might be left over for your charitable gifts.
For more information
Contact us at 703-837-9320 or developmentmg@alive-inc.org.
* * * For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained. State laws govern wills, trusts and charitable gifts made in a contractual agreement. Advice from legal counsel should be sought when considering these gifts.
