Bequests

If you are not able to make a substantial gift to Lighthouse Louisiana at this time, but eventually you want to leave some or all of your estate to serve the charitable needs of Lighthouse Louisiana, you might consider including the Lighthouse in your will for a specific amount or percentage of the residual of your estate. A gift by will to the Lighthouse can be unrestricted or designated for a special field of interest by the donor. A number of our donors have established funds during their lifetimes and add to them as circumstances allow. Many have also provided for an addition to their funds by will at the time of their death.

As an alternative to amending your current will, consider naming the LHB as a beneficiary of your retirement plan. Simply contact your plan administrator for a change of beneficiary form, and designate the Lighthouse for a percentage of the assets which remain in the plan at your death.

The Lighthouse is honored to have been the recipient of many bequests over the years. In the past 10 years the Lighthouse has received over $1.7 million in bequests. All of these gifts were used to continue providing programs and services for the blind and visually impaired.

SAMPLE BEQUEST LANGUAGE
Over the years, bequests to the Lighthouse have resulted in significant financial additions to the general operating fund and the Capital Campaign fund.  We provide donors and their advisors with sample language to facilitate this type of gift.  We also encourage donors to consider naming the Lighthouse as a beneficiary of retirement plans and similar assets which would produce income in respect of a decedent for their heirs.

Unrestricted Bequest

I bequeath __________________________________ (describe dollar amount, property to be given, or proportion of your residuary estate) to The Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation located in New Orleans, LA, 70118, for its general charitable purposes.
 
Bequest To Create An Unrestricted Discretionary Fund

I bequeath __________________________________ (describe dollar amount, property to be given, or proportion of your residuary estate) to The Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation located in New Orleans, LA, 70118, to establish the _______________________ Fund, to be held as a component fund and managed together with the Lighthouse’s other endowed funds. Grants from the Fund shall be made in accordance with the Lighthouse’s policies for such funds, and shall be used for unrestricted purposes.
 
Bequest To Create a Field of Interest Discretionary Fund

I bequeath __________________________________ (describe dollar amount, property to be given, or proportion of your residuary estate) to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation located in New Orleans, LA, 70118, to establish the _______________________ Fund, a component fund from which grants are to be made preferably for the following purpose: _______________________________________________________________
(Please note: When creating a restricted bequest, please consult first with The Lighthouse for the Blind about specific wording for your provision.)

Bequest To An Existing Fund
I bequeath __________________________________ (describe dollar amount, property to be given, or proportion of your residuary estate) to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation located in New Orleans, LA, 70118, to be added to the _______________________ Fund, a component fund of The Lighthouse for the Blind’s Endowment, and I direct that this bequest become part of this Fund.

The legal name, address, and Tax ID number for making a bequest to Lighthouse Louisana is as follows:

The Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, Inc.
123 State Street
New Orleans, LA 70118-5794
Tax ID # 72-0408941

For more information, contact
Erin McQuade
Director of Development
123 State Street, New Orleans, LA 70118-5794
(504) 899-4501, ext. 219
E-mail emcquade@lhb.org

Please remember Lighthouse Louisiana is not an Estate Planner. You should discuss planned giving options with your financial advisor or estate attorney.