Planned Giving/Wills and Bequests


Bequests from wills or estate gifts are wonderful ways to help sustain ACAF free of estate tax.  Bequests may take various forms: cash, specific property, a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate, with restrictions or without.

General Bequest:  This is one of the most popular ways to make a planned gift by simply leaving a specified dollar amount to ACAF.

Percentage of Estate/Residuary Bequest:  The donor may leave all or part of the balance of the estate to ACAF after all debts, taxes, expenses and all other the specific bequests have been satisfied.

Specific Bequest:  A specific bequest takes the form of an outright gift of stock, land or other property.  Even if it has appreciated, as a non-profit, we pay no taxes when we sell the bequest and put the money to work.

Contingent Bequest:  When writing a will, it is important to plan for the disposition of the estate if one or more of the named beneficiaries dies before you or disclaims the property.  Naming ACAF as the contingent beneficiary will ensure that the property will pass to the foundation rather than to unintended beneficiaries.


The laws governing bequests vary from state to state.  It is important that you review your will with your attorney or advisor to make certain that it meets all legal requirements and adequately reflects your desires regarding the distribution of your estate.


Gifts of Retirement Benefits:  Retirement-plan benefits include assets held in IRAs, 401(k) plans, Keogh plans and 403(b) plans.

Gifts of Life Insurance:  A life insurance policy may have ACAF designated as the benficiary.

Endowments:  An endowment is the transfer of money to ACAF with the stipulation that it be invested and the principal remain intact for a definite period of time or in perpetuity.

Whether your assets are substantial or modest, you can make a difference in the work ACAF is able to accomplish.

Contact Us to learn more about our Planed Giving options.