November is a season for gratitude — a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on blessings, and think about the legacy we want to leave behind. For many families, giving thanks naturally leads to giving back. One meaningful way to express that gratitude is by including charitable giving in your estate plan.
Whether you have a favorite local charity, a cause that’s close to your heart, or an organization that’s made a difference in your life, your estate plan can help ensure your generosity continues long after you’re gone.
At Monteleon Law, we believe estate planning isn’t just about passing on assets — it’s also about passing on values. Below are a few ways to use your estate plan to make a lasting and meaningful impact.
Include Charitable Gifts in Your Will or Trust
One of the easiest ways to support a cause you care about is by leaving a charitable bequest in your will or trust. This can be done in several ways:
- Designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or certain assets — such as stock or real estate — to a nonprofit organization.
- Name one or more charities as beneficiaries of your trust or retirement accounts.
- Create a residuary bequest, which leaves the remainder of your estate to charity after all other distributions are made.
These gifts are flexible and revocable, meaning you can change them anytime. Best of all, they allow you to make a lasting contribution without affecting your current financial situation.
Explore Charitable Trusts for a Lasting Legacy
If you want to make a larger or more structured gift, consider creating a charitable trust. Two popular options include:
- Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT): Provides income to you or your loved ones during your lifetime, with the remaining assets going to charity after your passing.
- Charitable Lead Trust (CLT): Gives income to your chosen charity for a set number of years, and then the remaining assets pass to your heirs — often with valuable tax advantages.
Both types of trusts can benefit your family and your favorite causes while also helping reduce estate and income taxes. In addition, they allow you to create a clear, long-term plan for your generosity.
Consider a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
If you prefer flexibility and simplicity, a donor-advised fund (DAF) might be a great fit. You make a charitable contribution to the fund, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to your chosen charities over time.
A DAF also offers a wonderful way to involve your children or grandchildren. Together, you can decide which causes to support, helping the next generation understand the joy and importance of giving.
Understand the Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving
Charitable giving doesn’t just help others — it can also provide meaningful tax benefits for you and your family. Depending on how your gift is structured, you may be able to:
- Reduce income taxes through charitable deductions.
- Minimize capital gains taxes on appreciated assets.
- Lower potential estate taxes for your heirs.
Because every situation is unique, it’s important to work with an experienced estate planning attorney. We can help ensure your charitable giving aligns with your financial goals while maximizing available tax benefits.
Carry Your Values Forward
At its core, charitable estate planning is about legacy. It’s your chance to share your story — what mattered to you, who inspired you, and what kind of difference you want to make.
This November, as you celebrate gratitude and togetherness, take a moment to consider how your estate plan can reflect those same values. A thoughtfully designed charitable gift ensures your generosity continues to make a difference for years — and generations — to come.
How Monteleon Law Can Help
At Monteleon Law, we help individuals and families create estate plans that protect their loved ones, reflect their values, and build lasting legacies. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an existing plan, we can guide you through your charitable giving options — from simple bequests to complex trusts.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building a plan that gives thanks, gives back, and gives meaning this holiday season.
For more information on estate planning and elder law, visit our resources page to explore previous blog articles, newsletters, and our informative webinar series.
