Legacy Giving

Ways to leave your legacy

Explore the best options for you:

Wills and Trusts

A bequest is a gift created in your will or living trust, given at the end of your life. It can take the form of a percentage of your estate, a specific dollar amount, or a particular asset and is deductible from your taxable estate.

Sample bequest language:
“I give [all of the residue of my estate / an amount equal to X percent of the residue of my estate / $______] to Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), for general charitable purposes.”

If you’ve already included NVFS in your will or trust, please let us know — we’d love to acknowledge your generosity and make sure everything is administered properly.

Beneficiary Designations

This is one of the easiest ways to include NVFS in your estate plans with no changes to your will required. Simply name NVFS as a primary or contingent beneficiary on your:

• Life insurance policies
• Retirement plans (IRA, 401k)
• Bank or brokerage accounts (Transfer on Death / TOD accounts)

Contact your insurance agent, IRA administrator, or financial institution and request a change of beneficiary form.

Gifts of Assets

Many types of assets can be donated directly to NVFS, often with significant tax advantages, including:

• Appreciated securities — Donating stock or securities you’ve held long-term may allow you to avoid capital gains taxes while receiving a charitable deduction.
• Cash — A straightforward and impactful gift at any level.
• IRA distributions — If you are 701/2 or older, you can make a tax-free qualified charitable distribution (QCD) directly from your traditional or Roth IRA.
• Personal property — Artwork, jewelry, collectibles, and other valuables.
• Real estate — A gift of property, including your primary residence.
• Retained life estate — Donate your home or property now while retaining the right to live there during your lifetime.

Advanced Giving Strategies

For donors with more complex financial situations, additional structures may allow you to maximize both your philanthropic impact and your personal financial goals:

• Charitable Remainder Trusts — Transfer assets into a trust that pays income to you (or a loved one) for life or a set term — with the remainder going to NVFS.
• Charitable Gift Annuities — Make a gift to NVFS now and receive a fixed income stream for the rest of your life in return.
• Charitable Lead Trusts — A trust that pays income to NVFS for a set period first, with the remaining assets passing to your heirs, often with reduced estate or gift taxes.

George Lane

Long-term donor
Volunteer
30+ years

“NVFS has enriched my life in so many ways. It’s given me incredible people, inspiring stories, and the joy of knowing that our work makes others’ lives better.”

- George Lane

Ready to start the 

conversation?

Our team is here to help you explore an option that is right for you with no pressure and no obligation.