Planned Giving
“Just as my ancestors planted for me, so too, will I plant for my children.”       Talmud, Ta’anit 23A
 
One of the greatest gifts someone can give is that of a legacy, a gift that will provide for the present and future of their community.  A planned gift can make a lasting impact and serve as pillars for our congregation’s future.  A bequest is perhaps the simplest way to provide an endowment or other special gift to Leo Baeck Temple.  Naming LBT as a beneficiary for a set amount or percentage of one’s estate in either a will or trust can create and perpetuate your Jewish legacy and fund our future.
There are ways for donors of all income levels to leave a legacy.

Gifts through Wills and Trusts
Including a gift in your will or trust is the most common method used to leave a legacy and is very simple.  You can designate a specific dollar amount, or specific property such as your residence, or a percentage of your estate or a portion or all of the residuary of your estate.
If you already have a will, you don’t need to start over.  You can amend your will with a simple codicil.  You can also amend your trust.  A bequest affords you great flexibility.  If your circumstances change, you can make adjustments to your will (or living trust) at any time.
Your attorney will need to know our legal name:  Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N. Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049
To print a form with sample language for your attorney, follow this LINK.

Gifts Made by Beneficiary Designations
These are very easy gifts to set up, without having to employ an attorney.  Simply contact your plan administrator or insurance agent to obtain a beneficiary designation form.  You may designate that Leo Baeck Temple receive all or a portion of these assets.  Beneficiary designations provide flexibility.

Gift of Life Insurance
This is an easy and powerful way to make a substantial gift Leo Baeck Temple.  If you own a life insurance policy that is no longer needed, simply designate Leo Baeck Temple as the beneficiary.  Check with your life insurance agent for the proper form to complete.

Gifts through Retirement Accounts
As a non-profit corporation, Leo Baeck Temple does not pay taxes so the entire amount of the gift passes tax-free.
You may give all or a portion of your 401(K), 403(b), Keogh, IRA, or other qualified pension plan through a simple beneficiary designation.  All that you have to do is request the form from your plan administrator.

Transfer on Death (TOD) or Payable on Death (POD)
You can designate that all or a portion of specific assets be transferred to Leo Baeck Temple upon your death.  A POD form is used for bank assets (e.g., savings and checking accounts, savings bonds, deposit certificates); a TOD form is used for securities (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds).  A Beneficiary Deed is used for real estate.  Nothing transfers at all until your death, and you can change or revoke the documents at any time.
To print and submit a “Confidential Statement of Intent,” follow this LINK.