Thinking About Your Legacy

Planting a seed for a tree whose shade we may never enjoy is one of the most powerful things we can do. When you think about your legacy, what do you want it to say? Whether it’s increasing your income through our Gift Annuities or making the most of appreciated assets like real estate, planned giving strategies can be a win-win: supporting your financial goals while advancing a cause you care deeply about. 

Many of our supporters tell us the same thing. After taking care of their families, they want to be remembered for supporting the causes that matter most to them. A bequest to Jewish National Fund is one of the easiest, most powerful ways to do that. There are several ways you can structure a bequest: 

Specific Bequest: Leave a designated dollar amount or a particular asset (like real estate or stocks) to Jewish National Fund. 

Percentage Bequest: Designate a fixed percentage of your estate. 

Residual Bequest: Leave what remains of your estate after other gifts have been distributed. 

Adding Jewish National Fund to your will can be as straightforward as including this suggested language: 

“I give, devise, and bequeath to Jewish National Fund, a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of  

the State of New York, the sum of $__ (or __% of my estate, or  the property described herein) for its general purposes.” 

It’s completely normal, and wise, to revisit your will throughout your life. In fact, most people update their estate plans at least three times as life unfolds. Here’s why: 

Life Events: Marriage, the arrival of children or grandchildren, the loss of a loved one, or divorce can all shift your philanthropic priorities. 

Financial Changes: A new job, a change in assets, buying or selling property, or updates to tax laws may prompt a fresh look at your plans. 

Evolving Values: As we grow older, we often reflect more on the legacy we want to leave. For many, that includes supporting meaningful causes like Jewish National Fund that mirror one’s lifetime of values and passions. 

Updating your will is part of protecting your future and shaping the future you want to help create. When you’re ready to explore how Jewish National Fund can be part of your legacy, our Planned Giving specialists are here to guide you every step of the way. 

If you have already included Jewish National Fund in your will, please let us know so that we can express our gratitude and acknowledge your generosity. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-562-7526 or plannedgiving@jnf.org