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Estate Planning for Charity

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Paley & Prehn, PLC

For families with substantial estates, estate planning is not only about protecting loved ones—it’s also about creating a lasting legacy. Many of our clients want to devote a significant portion of their estate to charitable causes that reflect their values and that will create a lasting legacy. At Paley & Prehn, PLC, we help you design an estate plan that maximizes your charitable impact, balances family needs, and ensures your gifts are carried out as you intend.

Giving With Purpose

Charitable giving through your estate plan can be as simple as naming a nonprofit in your will, or as sophisticated as establishing a private foundation that will operate for generations. The right approach depends on the size of your estate, your philanthropic goals, and the role you want your family to play.

We work with clients who:

  • Wish to devote a substantial portion of their estate to charity.
  • Want to establish a family foundation to continue giving in perpetuity.
  • Prefer the efficiency of donor-advised funds (DAFs) to simplify charitable distributions.
  • Need customized trust language for restricted gifts—ensuring funds are used only for the intended purpose (such as scholarships, research, or community programs).
  • Hope to leave a legacy that reflects their values while maintaining harmony among heirs.

Planning Tools for Charitable Givers

  • A Private Foundation – allows you and your family to retain control over how funds are invested and distributed. Private Foundations can provide lasting involvement for children and grandchildren while supporting charitable causes important to you. We assist with entity creation, governance, and coordination with tax advisors to ensure compliance and sustainability.

  • Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) – are a flexible and cost-effective way to give, allowing you to contribute assets now, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to charities over time. They are often used as an alternative to a private foundation for clients who want simplicity without the administrative burden. A DAF can be established through a local community foundation or through the charitable arm of an investment company – we help our clients determine which option is the best fit for their goals, values, and family involvement.

Charitable Trusts & Related Vehicles

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs), Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs), Pooled Income Funds (PIFs), and Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs), can balance support for family and charities, providing income streams during life with significant gifts at death.

Customized Trust Language

For clients who want to give directly through a revocable or irrevocable trust, we draft language that reflects your intent—whether that means restricting funds to a specific project, creating an endowed fund, or leaving the charity discretion to apply your gift where most needed.

Leaving a Legacy

An estate plan that includes charitable giving is about more than tax savings. It is about creating something enduring—whether through a named foundation, a scholarship fund, or a bequest that supports an institution close to your heart. With thoughtful planning, your gifts can carry forward your values, provide clarity for your family, and leave an unmistakable mark of generosity for future generations.

Why Clients Choose Paley & Prehn

At Paley & Prehn, PLC, we take the time to understand your charitable vision and translate it into a legally sound, workable plan. We coordinate with your financial advisors, tax professionals, and charitable institutions to ensure that your plan is honored. The result is not just a set of documents, but a legacy plan that reflects your values, supports the causes you care about, and carries your generosity forward with lasting impact.

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