It’s the time of year when you may be thinking about finally creating, or updating, your estate plan. Hopefully you are also thinking of the benefits that come along with including support for a cause that’s important to you.

Before you make a gift in your will, it’s wise to think it through…and to have a conversation. As you shape your long-term plans, find out how they align with organizations you’d like to include by asking these four key questions.

1. How will my gift be used? 

Why it matters: Every nonprofit abides by accounting standards and makes financial information—like budgets and spending—available to the public. This information can be useful whether your gift will be invested long term or spent to fund immediate needs. If you want your gift to make a broad impact or to be used for a specific purpose, have a conversation with us about your goals to ensure that we can fulfill your wishes.

2. What is the vision of the organization?

Why it matters: A vision statement shares where an organization is headed. Because a legacy gift provides support well into the future, make sure the plan matches your values.

3. What is your 10-year plan?

Why it matters: Details on strategic plans, rainy-day funds, board bylaws and fundraising guidelines are clues that an organization will remain viable. An endowment like ours also provides financial security that will extend your generosity for generations.

4. How will my gift be recognized?

Why it matters: Philanthropy is always worth celebrating, and we’d love to welcome you into our growing Visionaries’ Circle! You also have the right to opt in or out of recognition and benefits. Express your preferences. It’s OK to ask to be removed from a list—or to be featured in our marketing to inspire other donors. Whether your gift is celebrated in a private or public way is completely up to you.

Let’s Have a Conversation

We can help with all of these questions and more. Contact Shannon Foucault at (916) 444-2096 or sfoucault@rangelandtrust.org to have a conversation about your legacy through the California Rangeland Trust.