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How to Leave a Legacy at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Supporters of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund are loyal and dedicated. They walk, run, golf, and give to contribute to our mission of a world without cancer. The commitment from our community is unparalleled, but you might still ask yourself, “how else can I help conquer cancer?”
A simple, flexible, and versatile way to ensure Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund can continue our lifesaving work in the future is a gift in your will or living trust, known as a charitable bequest.
According to an article from the Boston Globe on April 12, more people in Massachusetts are looking to write or finalize their wills in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorneys are hard at work helping people prepare for the future of their families and create lasting legacies.
We understand that during this unprecedented time, it is important to protect what matters most and have a plan in place. If you are one of these people preparing or updating your will, we hope you will join those who have included Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund in their will or trust. A gift in your will protects your family and ensures that our mission continues in the future.
Here, we share some advice on putting together a will and how you can leave a legacy at Dana-Farber:
- Where to start
If you have not outlined how you want your assets distributed, the laws in the state in which you live will determine how your estate is divided. Assets will likely go to your closest family members, but not to friends or charities you may wish to support. An initial step in planning your estate in creating an inventory of your assets. Download our Personal Estate Planning Kit to guide you through this process.
- Make a charitable bequest
As you prepare to plan or update your will, discuss your personal goals with your attorney. If you wish to include a charitable bequest in your will to a nonprofit, like Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund, your attorney can advise you on the different ways to include this gift.
A bequest allows you to maintain control of your assets and to update or adjust your gift at any time. Bequests are a vital source of resources for our research and care.
- Let us help
Once you have discussed your estate planning goals with your lawyer, we encourage you to connect with our Planned Giving team before finalizing your plans. We can provide bequest language specific to your goals and discuss how you would like the funds used by Dana-Farber.
When your will is complete, we can welcome you into the Dana-Farber Society (DFS). The DFS is a community of donors who have left a legacy to Dana-Farber to provide a future, dependable source of funding.
Drafting a will may seem daunting, especially during these trying times. However, if you are considering how you can continue to support Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund to ensure a brighter outlook for our patients and their families, it is a deeply meaningful way to further your support. Please reach out to our team to learn more by emailing Gift_Planning@dfci.harvard.edu or calling 800-535-5577.
