Create Your Legacy this National Make-A-Will Month

Guitar Gabriel, Music Maker’s founding artist, always said that “blues is a spirit.” This National Make-A-Will Month, help keep that spirit alive by setting up a Legacy Gift benefitting Music Maker Foundation.

Most Legacy Gifts cost you nothing now and are simple to set up – but they have a big impact on the Music Maker artists of today and tomorrow. You can make a significant gift that will transform the work of Music Maker Foundation for generations to come. You can preserve roots music and champion those who make it so that future generations can access their cultural heritage and continue this vital work. We’ve been at it since 1994, and you can rest assured we’re in it for the long haul.

There are many ways to plan a gift for the future. Adding a few simple lines to your will or trust will leave a legacy that reflects your commitment to keeping American musical traditions alive for generations to come. There are even Legacy Gifts that pay you income for life and may reduce your taxes, such as a charitable annuity trust or retirement plan gift. And as a tax-exempt non-profit organization, Music Maker is an ideal beneficiary for any heavily-taxed assets, while you leave less-taxed assets to your loved ones.

There are other options, too, such as a gift of stock or property, gifts from your IRA, and donor-advised funds. Learn more about the most popular Legacy Gift options below!

add Music Maker to your will

Do you want to make a significant gift that will transform the work of Music Maker Foundation for generations to come? You can do it today with a Legacy Gift through your will. There are many benefits to creating a will that includes charitable giving:

• Costs you nothing during your lifetime.
• Easy to arrange. A simple paragraph in your will is all it takes!
• Preserves your savings and cash flow.
• Can be changed as needed.
• Allows you to be more generous than you ever thought possible.
• Leaves a lasting statement to the world about who you are and what is important to you.

To set up this kind of gift, add language to your will or trust designating “Music Maker Foundation (EIN 13-3782018)” as a beneficiary of your assets. Contact us at donations@musicmaker.org so we can coordinate with you to ensure your gift is used in accordance with your wishes when received.

Retirement plan assets

Did you know your retirement assets can help preserve American musical traditions, while potentially reducing your estate’s tax burden?* You can designate Music Maker Foundation as beneficiary of part or all of your retirement plan assets. This is a great option if you have an IRA or other Qualified Retirement Plan like a 401(k) or 403(b) and don’t expect to use all of your retirement plan assets during your lifetime.

To set this up, complete a beneficiary designation form provided by your retirement plan custodian. Designate “Music Maker Foundation (EIN 13-3782018)” as beneficiary. Submit the form to your retirement plan custodian.

* Please consult a financial consultant or tax advisor to determine the tax impact of Legacy Gifts.

IRA charitable Rollover

The IRS requires individuals with an IRA (and certain other types of retirement plan accounts) to start withdrawing money annually at age 72 or 73, depending on your birth year. People at this age can transfer up to $100,000 per year to Music Maker Foundation from your IRA to satisfy the required minimum distribution for the year.

Other ways to leave your legacy

• Charitable lead annuity trusts
• Gift of property
• Donor advised funds
• Gifts of stock, bonds, or mutual funds
• Memorial or tribute gifts

No matter how you choose to give, a Legacy Gift to Music Maker is simple, rewarding, and tremendously impactful. We encourage you to discuss your options with your professional advisor and choose the right gift for you. Thank you for your generous support of our mission!

For more information on creating your legacy with Music Maker Foundation, e-mail donations@musicmaker.org or call our office at 919-643-2456.