Jane Goodall said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” A gift from your estate to charity can be one way you make a difference in the world, and leave a legacy of caring.

A professional adviser can help you to determine which type of charitable gift from your estate is appropriate in your circumstances; you may want to consider the following:

∫ Bequests — A bequest is a gift you make through your will. It is the most popular type of planned gift.

A will offers a way to care for your family and your favorite charitable organizations in the same document. You can give a specific dollar amount, a percentage, or the remainder of your estate through your will or trust.

∫ Life Income Gifts — Create a gift that will do good and do well at the same time.

Make a gift, such as charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust, that will pay you or another during your lifetime, and the remainder will fund ministries after your death. Speak to your favorite nonprofit organization to consider life-income gifts.

∫ Life Estates — Transfer title of real estate and retain the right to live there for your lifetime.

∫ Donor-Advised Funds — Create a fund at a charity that allows you to suggest recipients of the income on your timetable.

∫ Beneficiary Designations — Name your favorite charities as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy, retirement plan, IRA or pension plan.

What kind of difference do you want to make in the world?