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Planning Your Legacy

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How to Complete Your Gift

1. Choose what to give.
Pick from one of these four options.
  • A specific bequest gives us a particular piece of property. If you disposed of the property before your death, we won't receive your intended gift because we cannot claim any other property.
  • A general bequest gives us a stated sum of money. If there is insufficient cash in your estate to cover the bequest, other assets will be sold for cash to honor your wishes for us.
  • A residuary bequest gives the "rest, residue and remainder" of your estate, or, more commonly, a percentage of the residue after all other bequests, debts and taxes have been paid.
  • A contingent bequest requires a certain event to occur before the gift can happen. For example, you could bequeath funds to a partner or family member provided that person survives you; if not, the funds would then go to Horizons Foundation.
Did You Know?
Question MarkYou can make your bequest in honor or in memory of someone special. Please contact Deb Stallings at 415.398.2333 x103 or dstallings@horizonsfoundation.org to learn more.

2. Decide how you would like Horizons Foundation to use your gift.
Choose from one of these three options.
  • An unrestricted bequest allows us to use the assets in the most beneficial way.
  • A restricted bequest allows you to specify how we are to use the funds. Contact us in advance to be certain your intent can be fulfilled.
  • An endowed bequest allows you to restrict the principal of your gift so we can use only a small portion each year, typically allowing the fund to last forever.
3. Meet with your estate planning attorney.
Whether you need to create a will or trust, or simply update an old document, you'll want to seek the help of an estate planning attorney.

Sample Language

Percentage of your estate "I give ____% of my estate to Horizons Foundation, located in San Francisco, California, for its general charitable uses and purposes."

Fixed amount of money "I give $____ to Horizons Foundation, located in San Francisco, California, for its general charitable uses and purposes."

Real estate or other property "I give [description of property, including exact location] to Horizons Foundation, located in San Francisco, California, for its general charitable uses and purposes."

Residual bequest "I give the residue of my estate to Horizons Foundation, located in San Francisco, California, for its general charitable uses and purposes."

"I give ____% of the residue of my estate to Horizons Foundation, located in San Francisco, California, for its general charitable uses and purposes."

federal tax ID #: 94-2686530



4. Let us know of your plans.
Please contact Deb Stallings at 415.398.2333 x103 or dstallings@horizonsfoundation.org to let us know when you have made plans for such a gift. We would love the opportunity to thank you for your generous act. We are happy to honor your wishes regarding anonymity.


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




Copyright © The Stelter Company, All rights reserved.

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.

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