August Is National “Make a Will” Month

August marks National “Make a Will” Month, a perfect time to reflect on the lasting impact you can have on the future of healthcare. By making or updating your will, you not only provide for your loved ones but can also create a legacy that supports Cleveland Clinic’s mission to advance patient care, research and education for generations to come.

Here are some specific ways to include Cleveland Clinic in your estate planning.

Bequest through your will or trust

A gift through your will or trust is one of the most popular and flexible ways to give. You can specify a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or a specific asset. This allows you to use your assets during your lifetime, knowing your future gift will support Cleveland Clinic for years to come.

Beneficiary designations

You can name Cleveland Clinic as the beneficiary of a financial account such as a retirement plan, life insurance policy or bank or stock account. Often, this can be accomplished with a simple form that you can obtain online. Beneficiary designations are a straightforward way to make a substantial impact and may offer significant tax advantages to you or your estate.

Life income gifts

Life income gifts, like charitable gift annuities and charitable trusts, allow you to receive income during your lifetime while benefiting Cleveland Clinic in the future.

A charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust provides you with income for your lifetime or for a period of years, after which the remainder supports the Cleveland Clinic program or hospital of your choice. Conversely, a charitable lead trust benefits Cleveland Clinic for a set time, with remaining assets going to heirs or loved ones. Cleveland Clinic’s Gift Planning Team can provide sample calculations that illustrate the benefits of these types of gifts.

Have you already included Cleveland Clinic in your estate planning?

Thank you! We hope you will share your intentions with our Gift Planning Team. By sharing your intentions with Cleveland Clinic during your lifetime, our team can ensure your gift is used according to your wishes and welcome you into our Pyramid Legacy Society.

You can also honor a Cleveland Clinic caregiver or loved one through your legacy gift.

Each legacy gift, no matter the size, supports Cleveland Clinic’s groundbreaking work and brings hope to the communities we serve. Our experienced gift planning team is here to help you explore options that best fit your goals. To learn more, contact Cleveland Clinic’s Gift Planning Team at 216.444.1245 or giftplanning@ccf.org.