3 minute read
Giving While Living: Planning Your Legacy
by Connie Ferreira, Scottish Rite Charities Development Officer
August is Make-A-Will Month
It’s the perfect time to get your estate planning in order and to reflect on your philanthropic giving plans to non-profits near and dear to you. We hope you consider the Scottish Rite Charities in this process.
Why is making your will so important? Leaving this world without a will can cause confusion, delay in access to assets, a lengthy probate process, and, foremost, undue stress to loved ones having to deal with unknown wishes that will go unanswered. This is precisely why planned giving is so important. Having a will directs your assets to the people and causes you care most about.
Cornerstone Society
Named for one of the Fraternity’s most outstanding builders, the George A. Newbury Cornerstone Society was created to acknowledge Brothers and supporters who have made a lasting investment in our Scottish Rite Charities through planned giving, ensuring that our Charities remain viable resources for our members and communities both now and into the future.
Create Your Legacy Through Scottish Rite Charities
A Planned Gift commitment qualifies you as a member of the Cornerstone Society. Please consider the gift examples that follow:
Bequest: this provision in your will or living trust can be a dollar amount, percentage, residual, or remainder of your estate.
Charitable Gift Annuity: requiring a modest contribution funded with cash or securities, CGAs provide lifetime income and support for our Scottish Rite Charities.
Named Beneficiary: designating a Scottish Rite Charity as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy, retirement account, or distribution from an IRA.
It is a win-win contribution since important charitable work is furthered, and donors receive tax benefits. Please know there is no minimum dollar or age requirement to be a member of the Society.
Member Benefits
In addition to a personal philanthropic legacy for the ages, you’ll receive:
• Framed membership certificate
• Honorary Cornerstone pin
• Invitation to an exclusive donor event
Giving While Living
Giving while living is a fitting phrase for planned giving, designed to inspire gifts and intentions to be made known to us now – to properly acknowledge, recognize, and celebrate YOU during your lifetime.
Many of our Brothers and community members have already generously included the Scottish Rite Charities in their estate plans. Thank you to all those who have done so. Your legacy will help propel the work of our Charities into the future.
Unfortunately, we may not be aware of your estate plans that include Scottish Rite as a beneficiary. So, if you have not done so already, please let us know of your intentions.
For more information and to discuss your estate plans, please contact Connie Ferreira, Development Officer by email at cferreira@srnmj.org or by telephone at 781-465-3344.
Cornerstone Society Member Highlights
Gwen reflects on how meaningful her beneficiary gift is to her:
“My best investment is the children of the CDC –a better return than a CD!”
As a dyslexic himself, Bruce’s bequest supports students just like him:
My late wife Joni and I have always supported those in need. The CDC mission speaks to me especially, having lived with dyslexia all my life.
Patrick first heard about the Cornerstone Society at a Scottish Rite luncheon in Arizona and said:
I can do this!
