Growing in Generosity

Children were always important to Alan Naiman. A banker turned social worker, he worked with families in crisis, served as a foster parent, and was the main caregiver for his developmentally disabled brother. When Alan died in 2018, he left $11 million to charities he connected with in those roles, including those that directly meet children’s needs.*

Jane Kesson loved children too—and loved teaching them music. One student remembered, “It was almost like she was married to the music. Music was her life.” So perhaps it was no surprise that she left a sizeable gift in her will to the Philadelphia Orchestra, an organization she supported for many years. They use that gift to fund teacher workshops and concerts for schoolchildren in honor of Jane.**

Neither Alan nor Jane ever married or had children of their own, which affected the way they approached their estate plans. Without spouses or heirs, they expanded the definition of family to include causes that were important to them—and left legacies that are impacting many beyond their lifetimes.

Married or single, parent or not, you can leave a lasting inheritance through a simple concept known as “Child Called Charity”—adding a charity you’re deeply connected with to your estate plan as one of your heirs.

In fact, many people have found adding a charity as a “child” in their will has brought great joy, knowing their legacy will make a difference long after they’re gone.

Here’s an example:

Robert and Brenda’s estate is valued at $500,000 after taxes. When they updated their will, they included a ministry gift, adding their favorite charity as a “child” in their estate plan. Instead of dividing their estate three ways, they divided it equally into four, giving a quarter of their estate—or $125,000—to each party.

Expanding your family circle through your estate plan is a decision you can make now that will meet the needs of future generations.

*Source: CNN
** Source: Associated Press