Before You Give: 4 Questions to Ask

The act of giving through your estate plan involves reflection and forethought. It also warrants a conversation. Here are four key questions to ask when considering a legacy gift.

1. How will my gift be used?

Why it matters: Your gift might be invested to fund a long-term goal, or it could go toward covering an immediate need. Additionally, your gift could make a broad impact or be used for a specific purpose. This question helps you articulate your goals and allows the organization to share their initiatives.

2. What is the vision of the organization?

Why it matters: A vision statement shares where an organization is headed. Because a legacy gift provides support well into the future, make sure our plan aligns with your values.

3. What is your 10-year plan?

Why it matters: Details on strategic plans, rainy-day funds, board bylaws and fundraising guidelines are clues that an organization will remain viable.

4. How will my gift be recognized?

Why it matters: Philanthropy is always worth celebrating, but you have the right to opt in or out of recognition. Express your preferences. It’s OK to ask to be removed from a list, or to see your name in lights. Whether your gift is celebrated in a public or private way is completely up to you!

Let’s Have a Conversation

We can help with all of these questions and more. Contact Shanmuganathaswami at 808-822-3012 x 6 or hhe@hindu.org to have a conversation about your legacy.

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association. Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.