What is planned giving?

Planned giving is a way to support the Alzheimer's Association with a future gift in your will, trust, beneficiary designations or alternate legacy plan. Theses gifts may provide tax benefits and allow you to leave a larger gift than you might imagine.

What are the benefits of planned giving?

Planned giving, or a charitable gift in your estate plan, offers benefits such as:

• Create a legacy that reflects your values now and in the future.
• Potentially receive tax savings for yourself, your heirs and loved ones.
• Some planned gifts offer secure income for life.
• Maximize your assets to ensure no one faces Alzheimer's or another dementia alone.

Can I make a planned gift and still provide for my family?

Absolutely. Once you ensure your family and loved ones are secure and protected, consider making a donation through your will or trust. There are also gift options that can provide income to family members now and benefit the Alzheimer's Association later.

Do I have to be wealthy to make a planned gift?

No. Planned giving is for everyone, regardless of age or assets. You can choose to leave a percentage of your estate, a specific dollar amount or make the Alzheimer's Association a beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance policy. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference.

How do I include a charity in my will?

You may work with an attorney or estate or financial planner to add specific language that names the Alzheimer's Association in your plans, the dollar amount or percentage, and any special instructions you may have. Learn more about giving through a will or trust.

What is a beneficiary designation gift?

This is when you name a charity as a beneficiary of assets like retirement accounts (401(k), IRA), life insurance, brokerage or bank accounts. It's a simple way to give, as distribution instructions are tied directly to the account and frequently don't require an attorney to set up. The financial institution or insurance company will administer their own paperwork to complete your beneficiary designations. Learn more about giving through beneficiary designations.

Can I decide how my gift will be used?

Yes. You can direct your gift to a specific program — like research or caregiver support — or make it unrestricted so the organization can use it where it's most needed. It's a good idea to talk with our planned giving team at the Alzheimer's Association first to ensure we can honor your wishes.

What is an unrestricted gift, and why is it important?

An unrestricted gift allows the Alzheimer's Association to use your donation where it's needed most once it's received. Unrestricted gifts are vital — they fuel our daily work and empower us to respond quickly to new discoveries, emerging needs and unexpected challenges. These flexible contributions allow us to innovate boldly and act decisively in the fight against Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

Do I need a lawyer to make a planned gift?

It depends. For some gifts, like those through beneficiary designations, you often only need to complete a form from your account provider. Check with an advisor or your account administrator for requirements. For other gifts, like gifts through a will, trust or complex gifts, it's best to work with an attorney to ensure you meet state law requirements and your plans are able to be executed.

What if I want to leave property, like real estate or art?

You can give real estate, artwork or other valuable items as a planned gift to charity. It's important to talk with the Alzheimer's Association first to make sure we can accept, use or sell the gift appropriately.

All estate gifts of property, like real estate or art, are sold in order to fund our mission, though gifts of property require advance planning and should be coordinated with us. Please discuss your gift intentions of property with our planned giving team to understand how we may handle and liquidate your gift. Learn more about giving through real estate.

Can I change my planned gift later?

Most gifts can be changed during your lifetime. Beneficiary designations and gifts through a revocable will or trust can be updated at any time. These gifts allow you flexibility if your circumstances change.

However, there are some gifts that are irrevocable and may require guidance from your attorney and/or professional advisor regarding your options.

Why is it important to inform the Alzheimer's Association of my gift?

Informing the Alzheimer's Association of your gift today allows us to thank you for your generosity. It also grants you exclusive access to our Founders Society — a group of like-minded people who hope to see an end to Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

Have you made a gift to the Alzheimer's Association in your plans? Notify our team.

Will my planned gift be made public?

The Alzheimer's Association deeply values the privacy and intentions of our supporters. We don't publish the names of individuals who have shared future gift commitments, nor do we disclose gifts received from estates. You can choose to remain anonymous in your lifetime or allow your story to be shared — often inspiring others to give, it is your choice.