Give a Gift Through Your Will or Trust

Want a simple, flexible way to provide long-term care to children living in poverty? Give a gift through your will or trust. 

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Give a Gift Through Your Will

Designating a bequest to Compassion through a will or trust is one of the simplest ways to extend your legacy of hope to children after your lifetime. This giving option provides significant flexibility because your will or trust can be changed at any time. 

We’re ready to assist you with any questions you may have. You can call (855) 315-6019 or email [email protected]. 

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results. 

Here’s a sample statement for how you can leave Compassion in your will or trust, though we recommend working with an advisor to finalize any bequest language: 

"I hereby give, devise, bequeath Compassion International, Inc. an Illinois nonprofit corporation with its principal office at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668, Federal Tax ID Number 36-2423707, the sum of $ ___ or % of my total estate determined as of the date of my death, to be used for Compassion International’s general use and purpose." 

A brother and sister stand together looking out a window at the camera.

Give a Gift Through Your Trust

You can also use trusts to reduce taxes and, if you choose, provide ongoing payments to yourself or loved ones. Trusts are legal entities that hold assets for beneficiaries to inherit eventually. 

Charitable Lead Trust

This type of trust provides your designated charities with current income from the trust in the form of interest and asset appreciation payouts. After a specified period (or at death), the balance of the trust is then transferred back to your beneficiaries.

This offers the current benefit of donations to charity and reduced taxable income for your beneficiaries.

Charitable Remainder Trust

With this type of trust, you provide assets to the trust, which then pays an income to you or anyone you choose. You can designate payments for a specified period (or for the lifetime and the lifetime of others receiving payments).

When the last person receiving payments passes away, the remaining balance is donated to your designated charities. You’ll receive income and save on taxes immediately while helping children in poverty in the years to come.

Revocable Living Trust

A revocable living trust is a document that allows you to place assets or property into a trust so they can seamlessly transfer to your beneficiaries after you pass away. As its name suggest, you can amend or revoke the terms of the revocable living trust at any time. You can also give in a variety of ways. For example, you can give a designated amount of provide a percentage of your estate. Revocable living trust are one of the simplest ways to donate to Compassion.

The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results..

Join the Swanson Legacy Society

Compassion International is honored to recognize our incredibly generous ministry partners with membership into the Swanson Legacy Society. This exceptional group of supporters is named after Rev. Everett Swanson, who had a heart for God’s children and founded the ministry of Compassion International in 1952. 

Everett Swanson is kneeling down standing next to a small young girl.

A Community Building a Legacy

The Swanson Legacy Society is reserved for ministry partners who have pledged a gift in their will or trust, have purchased annuities or have made beneficiary designations to care for generations of children through Compassion International. As a member of the Compassion International Swanson Legacy Society, you will: 

  • Be invited to exclusive events and volunteer opportunities. 

  • Receive news and updates about the Compassion International community. 

  • Establish your legacy as a champion of children and a steward of God’s Kingdom. 

Have you already included Compassion in your estate plan? Let us know so we can welcome you into the Swanson Legacy Society! Call us at (855) 315-5019 or contact us at [email protected]. 

“This is such an easy way to continue affecting generations long after we’re gone. To know that we have this treasure that we’re building up now, that will continue to reap tremendous benefits for families around the world, it’s amazing. Who wouldn’t want to do that?” — Fred and Ellen Balliet, members of the Swanson Legacy Society 

The First Step Is to Connect With Us

Our experienced team is here to help you explore special projects that match your interests, structure donations for maximum benefit and stay informed about the impact of your giving. Fill out the form below and one of our dedicated Legacy & Asset specialists will be in touch. 

Will & Trust FAQs

When you include Compassion in your estate plan, your generosity continues beyond your lifetime. Many supporters make their most significant gift through a legacy plan, helping children and families living in poverty for years to come.