Charitable gift annuity rates have gone up yet again, making the payouts you’d receive the highest in 16 years. Learn more here!
For more than 50 years, TreePeople has been a leader in environmental protection throughout Southern California. Born from the dream of a 15-year old, our mission protects mountain wildlands, grows city forests, and empowers communities to make real, lasting change.
Charitable bequests like yours will help us sustain our vital work for years to come, benefitting our children, grandchildren, and future generations. No matter the size of your estate, your gift will make a meaningful and significant impact.
Join our Legacy Grove today. Ensure that we continue your vision of a greener future.
Share Your Plans or Learn More
Legacy Giving Resources
Wills & Living Trusts
A gift in your will or living trust, known as a bequest, can ensure that your legacy lives on in the work done here at TreePeople. You let us know what is important to you, and we help you realize your vision for a greener future. We can assist you in leaving a gift of any size, whether you choose a specific cash value, percentage of your total estate, or the remainder of assets after all prior arrangements are completed.
In as little as one sentence, you are able to leave a gift of your choice to TreePeople, with the flexibility to change your will given any personal circumstance. If you find that it is time to start the estate planning process, your will is an easy place to start. You can find examples of single line bequests in the section below, entitled “Bequest Language”.
Give From Your IRA
Donating from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to TreePeople can be a great way to support the causes you care about in a tax-efficient way! When you donate directly from your IRA, you can potentially reduce your taxable income, lower Medicare premiums, and this can be especially helpful for those subject to RMDs.
The IRS requires individuals aged 70 ½ or older to take Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, from traditional IRAs each year. However, by donating directly from your IRA to charity, you can satisfy part or all of your RMD for the year, thus reducing taxable income!
Donations from your IRA are also straightforward and easy. Once you set up an arrangement with your IRA custodian, they handle distribution directly to us at TreePeople! Always consult with a professional or tax advisor to make sure that your plan is aligned with your current circumstances and financial goals.
Bequest Language
Unrestricted Bequest:
I, [Name], of [City, State, Zip Code], give to TreePeople, Inc., a nonprofit organization currently located at 12601 Mulholland Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210, or its successor organization, ____ [Written Amount, Percentage of Estate, or Description of Property] for its unrestricted charitable use and purpose.
Charitable Gift Annuities
Interested in a planned giving opportunity that provides both a charitable contribution to TreePeople and a steady income stream for you? Then consider donating through a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA)!
A CGA allows you to donate assets to TreePeople in exchange for regular, fixed payments for life. Factors such as age, amount of donation, and interest rate may make you eligible for immediate income tax deductions at the time of donation, as well as tax-free return of principal to help reduce taxable income. Any remaining value of the annuity at the time of death becomes a charitable contribution to TreePeople, allowing us to continue your legacy and build environmental stewardship for the future. Always consult with a professional or tax advisor to make sure that your plan is aligned with your philanthropic and financial goals.
Contact Us
For any legacy questions or additional inquiries, please contact us by email at legacy@treepeople.org
Rest assured, all requests for information are without obligation and are held in the strictest of confidence. Your donor records are highly confidential and protected by organization policy.
For legal and financial advice, we encourage you to speak with your professional advisors.
Legacy FAQ
Why should I consider making a planned gift to TreePeople?
Planned gifts allow you to continue supporting our mission well into the future, to leave a positive impact on the planet and your community, and can provide you with potential tax benefits. With over 50 years of experience as an environmental nonprofit leader, you can rest assured that your gift to TreePeople will go towards creating another 50 years of sustainable programs all throughout Southern California.
What types of assets can I leave as a charitable legacy?
TreePeople accepts a variety of assets as legacy gifts. Cash, stocks, real estate, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies are all welcome.
How do I include TreePeople in my estate plan?
You can include TreePeople in your estate plan by naming us as a beneficiary in your will, trust, retirement accounts, or life insurance policies. You can name the amount, percentage of estate, or property you’d like to donate to TreePeople.
For examples of this, see the above section entitled “Bequest Language” in the Legacy Giving Resources section.
Are there tax benefits to planned gifts?
Yes! Charitable giving may provide you with potential tax benefits that can help reduce the taxable value of your estate. Leaving assets to TreePeople may also help minimize capital gains taxes for your heirs. For more information, see the above sections entitled “Give From Your IRA” and “Charitable Gift Annuities”. Always consult with a professional or tax advisor to make sure that your plan is aligned with your philanthropic and financial goals.
Do I need to notify TreePeople about my planned gift?
While notifying us about your planned gift is not required, we would love to hear more and celebrate your legacy. By letting us know, we can honor your gift, ensure that your wishes are understood and documented properly, and provide you with any additional assistance. Sharing the nature of your gift also helps us plan how to use your contribution to maximize impact. All information about your planned gift is strictly confidential and handled with the utmost care. If you would like your gift to remain anonymous, TreePeople will also honor this wish.
To let us know more about your planned gift, or to request more information, please fill out the form at the top of this page entitled “Share Your Plans or Learn More”.
Are charitable legacy gifts flexible?
Yes, making a planned gift with TreePeople is flexible and we are here to help with your individual needs and wishes. You can always update your estate plan with an addendum to your will that includes TreePeople as a beneficiary in many different capacities. We encourage you to add a planned gift to TreePeople as unrestricted in purpose, as this allows us to maximize your contribution to our areas of greatest need.
Please feel free to reach out to us at legacy@treepeople.org for any additional questions.
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