The method used to make a bequest depends on the kind of gift you choose to leave to the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation.

Bequests of real estate, personal property, business interests, and cash are typically made by way of a will, revocable trust, or even a simple codicil to your current estate plan. Your estate-planning attorney can assist you in preparing the necessary papers for you to complete the bequest.

Other bequests, such as those involving retirement assets, insurance policies, bank accounts, and stocks and bonds are typically made by completing the appropriate beneficiary designation form. Simply contact your retirement plan administrator, life insurance company, bank, or investment broker and ask them to send you the appropriate "beneficiary designation" or "payable on death" form. To complete your bequest, you will need to complete and sign the form and then send it back to the person who originally sent the form to you.

The last step in leaving any bequest involves the transfer to charity. When you pass away, the bequest property is transferred to the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation. The full value of this gift will be transferred tax-free and your estate may receive an estate tax charitable deduction.

You gift can be used to create an existing charitable fund, build a charitable fund, or support the Foundation broadly.

Click here to review Sample Bequest Language