Planned Giving: Bequests and Charitable Gift Planning

Gift Planning

A Gift in Your Will: Getting Started

We hope you'll consider including a gift to Compassion International in your will or living trust. Called a charitable bequest, this type of gift offers these main benefits:

Simplicity. Just a few sentences in your will or trust are all that is needed. Share the sample bequest language for Compassion International with your estate planning attorney:

Outright Bequest
"I hereby make, devise, and bequeath to Compassion International, Inc., an Illinois non-for-profit corporation, whose present office is at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, _________% of my estate (or the sum of $________) to be used by Compassion International."

Residuary Bequest
"I hereby make, devise, and bequeath to Compassion International, Inc., an Illinois non-for-profit corporation, whose present office is at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, _________% of the residue of my estate (or the sum of $________) to be used by Compassion International."
Flexibility. Because you are not actually making a gift until after your lifetime, you can change your mind at any time.
Versatility. You can structure the bequest to leave a specific item or amount of money, make the gift contingent on certain events, or leave a percentage of your estate to us.
Tax Relief. If your estate is subject to estate tax, your gift is entitled to an estate tax charitable deduction for the gift's full value.

We understand.
Your circumstances may change and you can change your gift at any time.

How It Works
To make a charitable bequest, you need a current will or revocable living trust.

Your gift can be made as a percentage of your estate. Or you can make a specific bequest by giving a certain amount of cash, securities or property. After your lifetime, Compassion International receives your gift.

Charitable Bequest

Create a will or trust leaving part of your estate to family and part to Compassion International.

Your Will or Trust

Your Family

Your death

Compassion International

Putting Your Family First
When planning a future gift, it's sometimes difficult to determine what size donation will make sense. Emergencies happen, and you need to make sure your family is financially taken care of first. Including a bequest of a percentage of your estate ensures that your gift will remain proportionate no matter how your estate's value fluctuates over the years.


	Download a free guide about making your first will.

We Can Help
Contact Gift Planning Department at 855-315-5019 or giftplanning@compassion.com with any questions about naming Compassion International in your will or living trust. We're happy to help, without obligation.

Your Next Steps
Getting Started | Is This Gift Right for You? | Case Study | How to Complete Your Gift | Action Items

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes apply to federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.

Financial Integrity

Compassion is committed to integrity, consistently receiving high ratings for financial accountability. At least 80 percent of all ministry expenditures are used on programs for children.

Types of Gifts

Releasing children from poverty