Twice the Impact During the Dog Days of Summer
Twice the Impact During the Dog Days of Summer
Our End of Summer 2x Match is underway, but not for long. From now until midnight on Aug. 31, your gift can have double the impact on advancing research and helping provide care and support for those impacted by Alzheimer’s.
Donate NowGifts by Age Group
Your stage in life often shapes what makes the most sense for your financial security, your family and your philanthropy goals. Here are some ideas based on where you may be today.
40s to early 60s: Build your legacy early
You're likely in your peak working years, still planning for retirement and possibly supporting children or other family members. Now is the time to start thinking about how you want your values to live on. Even if you're not ready to make a gift today, you can put simple plans in place that cost nothing now but will make a lasting difference later.
What to consider now:
- Add the Alzheimer's Association as a beneficiary designation on a retirement account, life insurance policy or investment account.
- Include a gift in your will or living trust — you can always update as your circumstances change.
- Use your donor-advised fund (DAF) to designate the Association as a future grant recipient and possibly as the ultimate beneficiary.
- Give appreciated assets such as stock, bonds, mutual funds, real estate or cryptocurrency and help defer or bypass capital gains tax.
- Consider donating your business interests. Check with your advisors to determine if donating some of these assets now may be a tax-smart option.
Why it matters now: The earlier you make these designations, the easier it is to ensure your intentions are carried out and your family is secure. It's also a thoughtful way to pass on your values now by including your loved ones in charitable giving.
60s to early 70s: Balance self, family and philanthropy
You may be approaching or enjoying retirement, thinking about how to use your assets wisely, and looking for ways to reduce future tax burdens. This is the perfect time to blend smart financial planning and your charitable goals.
What to consider now:
- Explore gifts that pay you income, like charitable gift annuities or charitable trusts. These can support you in retirement while aiding in the fight against Alzheimer's.
- Name the Association as the beneficiary of part or all of your IRA, a 401(k) or another retirement account to avoid a potentially heavy tax burden on retirement assets for your heirs.
- You should review your will, trust, beneficiary designations and charitable intentions every three to five years. Changes such as marriage, divorce or birth of a child should be kept up to date to avoid the wrong person inheriting your estate.
- Use your IRA's qualified charitable distribution (QCD) to make tax‑free gifts directly to the Alzheimer's Association if you're 70.5 years of age or older.
Why it matters now: You can make a difference and use tax‑smart giving strategies that benefit you now and your family later.
70s to early 80s: Act on your legacy plans
You've likely completed or are reviewing your estate plans. Now is the ideal time to put your legacy into action so your intentions are clear, and your gifts are structured in the way that works best for you.
What to consider now:
- Update or review your will, trust and beneficiary designations to ensure your peace of mind with your plans and to include a meaningful gift to the Alzheimer's Association.
- Create a charitable gift annuity or charitable trust for yourself or a loved one to enjoy dependable income and make a lasting impact.
- Fund gifts with appreciated assets, such as stocks or property, potentially reducing taxes and see your charitable impact today.
- Consider plans for real estate or business interests. Discuss with your advisors how donating some of these assets may be a tax-smart option.
Why it matters now: Taking action now ensures your plans reflect your current wishes and that your intentions are clear and honor your legacy.
Over 80: Celebrate your success and secure your legacy
You already have plans in place, and now is the time to ensure they are exactly as you want them. Your legacy is a reflection of your life, your values and your desire to help others.
What to consider now:
- Review your beneficiary designations to be sure they are up to date, as they fall outside of your will or trust.
- Confirm your will or trust clearly outlines your wishes. A new marriage, divorce or birth of a grandchild may require changes to your will or trust.
- Let the Alzheimer's Association know about your future gift so we can welcome you into our Founders Society and thank you now for your generosity.
Why it matters now: This is your opportunity to celebrate the legacy you've built and to know your gift will help provide for your family and the causes you care about.
Free Resources to Help You Plan
Learn More About Planned Giving
Find your local Alzheimer's Association Planned Giving Advisor
Our planned giving team is here to answer questions about including the Alzheimer's Association in a will, trust, beneficiary designations or other legacy planning opportunities.
Contact the planned giving team
Jill Workman
Alzheimer's Association
Senior Director, Planned Giving
Phone: 866.233.5148
Email: plannedgiving@alz.org
The information provided on this website is presented solely as general educational information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional estate planning, financial or legal advice. It is important to consult with a tax, financial and/or legal advisor about your specific situation.