Estate planning is more than a legal process — it’s a way to protect your loved ones while also championing the causes closest to your heart. As part of our planned giving series, we’re exploring one of the simplest, most flexible options available: beneficiary designations.

What Are Beneficiary Designations?

Instead of including a gift in your will, you can directly name Sanctuary for Families as a beneficiary of certain accounts or policies. This option often requires only a simple form and allows you to make a meaningful impact with little effort. Examples include:

• IRAs and retirement plans
• Life insurance policies
• Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
• Commercial annuities

Why Choose Sanctuary?

By naming Sanctuary for Families as a beneficiary, you ensure your legacy continues to support survivors of gender-based violence. You may choose to designate a specific amount, percentage, or the remainder of an account such as an IRA—helping sustain Sanctuary’s mission for generations.

In addition to possible tax advantages, this type of planned gift allows you to create lasting change without affecting your current financial security. However you choose to give, your legacy will reflect a commitment to safety, justice, and healing.

How to Get Started

Designating Sanctuary as a beneficiary is straightforward. Simply request a form from your retirement fund, insurance provider, or bank, or contact your account administrator.

To learn more about how your legacy can support survivors, visit our planned giving website.

This article is part of our ongoing series on planned giving options. Stay tuned for future installments exploring beneficiary designations, charitable trusts, and more.

If you’re looking for a convenient and meaningful way to give, a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a great solution. DAFs are the fastest growing giving vehicle among donors of all income levels. Whether you’re a seasoned expert in giving or just getting started, learn more below about the advantages of DAF giving and how you can support survivors of gender violence.

What Is a Donor Advised Fund?

A DAF is an account typically managed by a financial institution or community foundation for charitable giving. When you contribute funds to the DAF, you immediately receive the tax deductions and can later recommend grants to nonprofits that the advisor for your account will pay out. Essentially, it’s like a savings account that you can put as much into without a time restriction on when you give it out.

What Are Some of the Advantages of a DAF? 

CONVENIENCE

One of the advantages of a DAF is how easy it is to manage all your giving in one place. Instead of keeping track of several donation receipts from multiple organizations throughout the year, you receive one consolidated receipt at the time of your contribution to the DAF. This makes filing taxes a more streamlined process

ACCESSIBILITY

While DAFs used to be associated primarily with high net worth individuals, this is no longer the case. As financial institutions like Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, and Vanguard Charitable have eliminated account fees and minimum contributions, DAFs have become more accessible than ever. Many DAFs can now be opened for no cost!

Opening a DAF is easier than ever, regardless of your level of giving. If you already have a brokerage account or financial advisor, DAFs are simple to set up. The process can also be done online through many financial institutions.

IMPACT

Donors using a DAF often find that their giving is more intentional. Rather than a one-time gift, donors can view their account through an investing mindset. Using a DAF, you can plan your giving thoughtfully and demonstrate your commitment to organizations like Sanctuary for Families.

DAFs give donors the ability to make gifts at their own pace. While receiving an immediate tax benefit, there is no required timeline for making grants. This gives you time to decide where and when your gift can make the most impact.

Getting Started

By using a Donor Advised Fund, you can streamline your charitable contributions, increase your tax efficiency, and support the nonprofits you care about in a sustainable and impactful way. It’s a win-win for you and Sanctuary.

Learn more about DAFs

At Sanctuary for Families, we believe estate planning is more than a legal task — it’s a powerful way to reflect your values, protect your loved ones, and support causes close to your heart. As we kick off our planned giving series, we’re starting with two essential tools: wills and living trusts.

What’s the Difference?

A will lets you outline how your assets should be distributed after your passing. You can name beneficiaries, appoint guardians, and designate an executor. However, wills typically go through probate—a court process that can be time-consuming and public.

A living trust holds your assets during your lifetime and distributes them according to your wishes when you pass. Trusts generally avoid probate, allowing for quicker, more private distribution. They can also provide asset management if you become incapacitated.

Why Include Sanctuary?

Naming Sanctuary for Families in your will or living trust is a meaningful way to support survivors of gender violence beyond your lifetime. By designating a specific amount, percentage, or the remainder of your estate, you help ensure our life-saving work continues for generations.

Planned gifts can also offer tax benefits and allow you to make a lasting impact without affecting your current finances. No matter which path you choose, your legacy will reflect a deep commitment to justice, safety, and empowerment.

Getting Started

Estate planning can seem daunting, but guidance is available. An estate attorney can help you choose the best approach, and Sanctuary offers resources to align your giving with your values.

To learn more about how your legacy can support survivors and promote change, visit our planned giving website.

This article is part of our ongoing series on planned giving options. Stay tuned for future installments exploring beneficiary designations, charitable trusts, and more.