Bequests

There is no greater satisfaction to be had than to know that your actions will have a positive impact on the future. By implementing a bequest in your will, you can designate a gift to The Franklin Foundation thus helping us in improving America's innovation base through our programs, initiatives, and services. Some of the benefits of a bequest are:

• It is not payable until death, so it affects neither your assets nor your cash flow during your lifetime.
• It is private, so your will will not be filed or made public prior to your death.
• It is revocable - you can change the provisions in your will or trust at any time prior to death.
• You can become a member of the exclusive Franklin Legacy Circle, and be recognized by current and future generations as a major contributor to American Innovation in the tradition of Benjamin Franklin himself.
• Your gift will ensure that future generations will have access to the opportunities provided by a strong background in science, technology, and advanced mathematics - which will result in a smarter and more globally competitive American workforce.

 

A bequest allows you to make a substantial contribution to the Foundation without reducing current income. This is similar to a postdated check made payable only after death. Charitable bequests can include cash, securities, real estate, or other property. These assets may be identified specifically as a percentage of your entire estate, or that part of your estate remaining after making specific bequests. The gift is revocable during your lifetime, providing a hedge against unforeseen events.

 

Simple wills, leaving everything to a loved one and/or charity are generally used for donors with estates under the Federal Estate Tax threshold, which is currently $3.5 million. This may change, so please make sure to speak with your tax advisor, estate planner, or legal counsel prior to making any final arrangements.

 

Our major gifts team would be more than happy to give you more information on planned giving to The Franklin Foundation, as well as work with your legal, estate planning, and/or tax advisors to ensure a smooth endowment process. Please contact the Major Gifts team for the foundation at majorgifts@franklinfound.org.