Including Lighthouse in a will, IRA, or insurance policy is a simple, affordable way to make a lasting difference for the literary community in Denver. It's an extension of your lifetime accomplishments and ambitions and a way to make a final statement of your vision and beliefs. And it's flexible. It can be changed, modified, or deleted completely if the need arises.
Become a member of The Epilogue Guild when you notify us of your planned gift. That way we can show our appreciation as well as keep you updated on Lighthouse's long-term vision and plans that your gift will be making possible.
Bequests in Your Will
Don't leave us yet, but if you're planning ahead there are several ways to create a legacy by remembering Lighthouse in your will. You can designate a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, or a fixed percentage of your estate. Here are some examples:
- A specific bequest of an exact amount or item (I bequeath the sum of $20,000 to... or, I direct my Executor to distribute my collection of rare books to...") (please check our gift acceptance policy below)
- A percentage bequest or fraction of the estate, often used with a remainder provision (I bequeath 15% of my estate to... or, I direct my Executor to distribute one-half of the remainder to...)
- A bequest of the remainder that directs whatever is left (if anything) after other distributions (I bequeath all of the rest remainder and residue of my estate to... or, I direct my Executor to distribute one-third of the remainder to...)
- A contingency bequest that happens only if certain other things happen first (If I am preceeded in death by..., then I bequeath...)
Bequests in Your Retirement Plan
There may be significant tax advantages to you for donating distributions from your IRA or 401K either as they are withdrawn or by naming Lighthouse as a beneficiary. This can reduce or eliminate income and estate taxes and even result in larger inheritances for your heirs.
Gifts of Life Insurance
Life insurance is a powerful financial planning tool for family and for the legacy you would like to leave. You can name Lighthouse as a beneficiary of most types of insurance policies.
There are also charitable trusts, gift annuities, and other tools about which your financial planner or attorney can advise.
If you're interested in planning a gift, please contact your attorney or financial planner, or for questions or to notify Lighthouse, contact Shelley Popke, Director of Development, via email at shelleyp@lighthousewriters.org, or by phone: 720-716-4225.
