Ways to Include Washington Hebrew Congregation in Your Estate Plan 

Why Leave a Gift to WHC

Since Washington Hebrew Congregation’s founding in 1852, each generation has gathered to pray, learn, celebrate, and connect with one another. By including WHC in your estate plan, you have an opportunity to leave a legacy that ensures Washington Hebrew congregants will experience the same vibrant Jewish life that has shaped your own identity for future generations to come.

If you have already left a gift to WHC, thank you, and we hope you will let us know. We would like to welcome you to the 1852 Legacy Society, our way of recognizing the generous individuals who have made WHC a part of their lasting legacy.

Simple Ways to Include WHC in Your Estate Plans

You can express your values and create your legacy in several ways. Each of the gifts described below:

• Costs you nothing now
• Preserves your options – in many cases, you can update your beneficiaries as your circumstances change
• Enables you to make gifts to loved ones while also supporting WHC
• Allows you to remain anonymous, should you choose to do so
• Ensures your lasting legacy

Bequests: Gifts in a Will or Trust

A gift in your will or trust is a meaningful way to ensure your support for WHC continues for generations.

You can choose to leave WHC a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or what remains after your loved ones have been provided for.

You may also name WHC as a backup beneficiary, so that a gift comes to WHC only if one of your original beneficiaries is no longer living.

A Gift of Retirement Plan Assets

Your retirement plan assets can be a meaningful and tax-wise way to support the people and causes you care about most.

Because assets such as IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and pension plans may be taxed when left to loved ones other than a spouse or a child, some donors choose to leave other assets to family and name WHC as a beneficiary of all or part of a retirement account. This can allow you to care for your loved ones while also making a lasting gift to WHC. To make this type of gift, request a beneficiary designation form from your retirement plan administrator and name Washington Hebrew Congregation as a full, partial, or contingent beneficiary.

Gifts of Life Insurance

Many of us have life insurance policies that have long since served their purpose. Perhaps you purchased a policy to account for your children’s tuition needs, but that coverage is no longer needed. Or, you have a policy your parents purchased for you years ago. These policies can make an excellent gift to WHC.

• Request a beneficiary designation form from your life insurance company, and make Washington Hebrew Congregation a full, partial, or contingent beneficiary.
• You may also transfer ownership of a life insurance policy to WHC. This may qualify for a charitable income tax deduction, depending on the policy and your individual tax situation.

Gifts of Certificates of Deposit, Bank and Brokerage Accounts

Certificates of deposit, bank accounts, and brokerage accounts may be transferred, without the necessity of a will or trust provision, through beneficiary designations, often referred to as “pay on death” or “transfer on death” designations, where available. Ask your financial institution whether this option is available for your account.

Gifts of Contributions Remaining in a Donor Advised Fund

The final distribution of any balance remaining in a donor advised fund is governed by the agreement you completed with your DAF sponsor. Because these funds are already set aside for charitable purposes, you may be able to name WHC as a final charitable beneficiary or successor recipient of all or part of the remaining balance. Please contact your DAF sponsor for the appropriate form or process.

YOUR GIFT, YOUR WAY

Gifts to the Lewis S. Wiener Annual Fund allow WHC to address the greatest needs across the congregation, by providing critical unrestricted support. Leaving your gift unrestricted enables WHC to address the biggest challenges and opportunities faced at the time your gift is received. If you prefer to designate your gift for a particular program or fund, we certainly will ensure your wishes for your estate gift are honored. Please see sample language for unrestricted and restricted bequests below:

Unrestricted Bequest:

I give [ __ percent of my estate, or description of asset, or ____ dollars] to Washington Hebrew Congregation, a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation, 3935 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC 20016 (WHC Tax 53-0196646), for its general use.

Restricted Bequest:

If you prefer to designate your gift for a particular program or fund, we would be glad to discuss language that reflects your wishes while giving WHC the flexibility to use your gift effectively if circumstances change in the future.

For Beneficiary Designation Forms:

WHC EIN#: 53-0196646

3935 Macomb Street NW, Washington, DC 20016

We’re Here for You

Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your charitable intentions and learn more about how your legacy gift can support Washington Hebrew Congregation and also benefit you or your heirs.

Contact Info:

Alexis Channin, Director of Development

achannin@whctemple.org or 202-895-6312

This document is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, accounting, or other professional advice. Please consult your attorney, tax advisor, or financial advisor to determine how any charitable gift may affect your individual circumstances.