Leave a legacy: How your planned gift can make a lasting impact

Did you know you can sustain your legacy by supporting your favorite nonprofits even after you’re gone? By planning a legacy gift, you can ensure the organization’s work continues well into the future. 

What is a legacy gift? 

A legacy gift is a donation designated for an organization at a future date, often implemented through a will. When you plan your financial or estate arrangements, you have the option to allocate something to an organization in the form of cash, property, or other assets like stock or donor-advised funds.

Why give a legacy gift? 

Legacy gifts have many benefits for both the donor and the organization. For you specifically—depending on what method of giving you choose—you can expect to receive various tax benefits. Once notified of your planned gift, the organization can more effectively prepare for the future, which benefits the mission and safety of the organization as a whole. 

Most importantly, your planned generosity ensures that the mission is implemented and communities are served beyond your lifetime. 

What are the options for leaving a gift? 

There are several ways to create your legacy. 

  • Wills and bequests: You can designate a donation or portion of your estate by including the organization in your will. 

  • Stock donations: You can donate long-term appreciated securities—like stocks, bonds or mutual fund shares—by having your broker transfer them directly to the organization. 

  • Beneficiary designations: You can designate the organization as one of the beneficiaries of your retirement accounts (IRA, 401K, 403b), life insurance policies and/or annuities. 

  • IRA qualified charitable distribution: For those aged 70.5 or older, you can make a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA as a tax-free donation. 

  • Donor-advised fund (DAF): You can use your existing DAF to support the organization.

Whichever option works best for you and your goals, your gift will make a difference in communities around the world through the organizations you’ve chosen to support. 

How to leave a legacy gift at Because International 

At Because International, we accept all of the giving methods mentioned above and use them to help families around the world impacted by poverty. Your future donation could support the distribution of The Shoe That Grows to kids across the globe or empower entrepreneurs whose businesses are making a difference in their communities. Regardless of your choice, it will make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

Individuals who choose to support our work in the future by including us in their will are honored as members of our Legacy Club, joining other compassionate donors who are making an impact on global poverty for generations to come.

Here is what a few of our Legacy club members had to say about why they chose to leave a lasting gift to Because International. 

“Leaving a legacy isn’t about what you accumulate, but about the impact you leave on our world. That’s why I’ve chosen to leave a portion of my estate to support Because International. Their dedication to providing shoes that grow and creating job opportunities in impoverished communities deeply resonates with me. By investing in Because’s mission, I hope to play a part in building a more equitable and meaningful future for all.” –Chris Graff

“I believe in your mission, especially The Shoe That Grows—the endeavor that initially drew me to Because International. As a widow with no children, I feel it is my responsibility to leave something behind that is beneficial, so you are in my will!” –Phyllis Kadle 

Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know! Thank you for helping ensure that Because International can continue to protect children's feet and support entrepreneurs for years to come. 

To learn more about planned and legacy giving, visit our Planned and Legacy Giving page.