Wills and Living Trusts

A gift in your will or living trust is a deeply personal gift—and a flexible one. You can take care of loved ones first, and you can update your plans or change your mind at any time.

There are several ways to include a gift to the ACLU in your will or living trust:

• You can stay flexible and leave a percentage of your estate (even 1% of your estate can make a huge difference). The value of personal assets can rise and fall. A bequest stated as a percentage will automatically adjust regardless of future circumstances. For example: “I leave 10% of my estate to the ACLU.”
• You can leave a defined amount or asset: For example, “I leave $50,000 to the ACLU.” Your estate doesn’t have to have cash or securities to cover the gift amount, as long as the value of all of your assets is sufficient.
• You can also make a contingent—or backup—bequest that only takes effect if other beneficiaries are not able to receive their gifts. For example, “If my partner survives me, then I leave my entire estate to my partner. If my partner does not survive me, then I leave my estate as follows...”