Planned Giving
Leave a Gift in Your Will to Support Northwest Illinois
When you leave a gift in your will to United Way of Northwest Illinois, you can help strengthen local communities for future generations while preserving flexibility for yourself and your family today.
What Is a Charitable Bequest?
A charitable bequest is a gift included in a will or living trust. It allows you to support a nonprofit organization after your lifetime without using assets that you may need today.
By including United Way of Northwest Illinois in your estate plan, you can help future generations in Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. Your gift can support local responses related to education, health, financial stability and essential community needs.
Estate plans and charitable giving rules can vary. An attorney or qualified estate-planning professional can help you choose language that reflects your wishes and works with the rest of your plan.
Ways to Create a Legacy Gift
Include a Gift in Your Will
Your will or trust may leave United Way a specific amount, a percentage of your estate or the remainder after other commitments have been fulfilled.
Name United Way as a Beneficiary
You may be able to name United Way of Northwest Illinois as a full or partial beneficiary of an IRA, retirement plan or other eligible financial account.
Life Insurance Beneficiary
Depending on the policy, you may be able to name United Way as a primary or contingent beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy.
Memorial or Long-Term Gift
A planned gift may honor someone important to you or support an approved long-term community purpose. Contact United Way before establishing a narrow restriction.
How to Leave Money to Charity in Your Will
- Decide what type of gift best fits your plans, such as a specific amount, percentage or remainder.
- Speak with your attorney or estate-planning professional.
- Provide United Way’s complete legal name, address and federal tax identification number.
- Ask your attorney to prepare or review the final language.
- Consider notifying United Way so we can understand your intentions and thank you for your future support.
Sample Charitable Bequest Language
You may share the following example with your attorney as a starting point:
“I give to United Way of Northwest Illinois, a nonprofit organization located at 524 W. Stephenson St., Suite 101, Freeport, Illinois 61032, federal tax identification number 36-2218134, the sum of $_____ [or _____% of my estate, or the remainder of my estate] to be used for its general charitable purposes.”
Important: This example is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Ask your attorney to prepare or approve language appropriate for your estate plan.
Unrestricted or Designated Legacy Gift?
An unrestricted gift gives future United Way leaders flexibility to address the community’s most important needs when the gift is received. This can be valuable because local needs, programs and organizations may change over time.
You may also ask about supporting an established program, county or long-term priority. Contact United Way before placing a narrow restriction in your estate documents. We can discuss whether your intended purpose can be administered effectively in the future.
Planned Giving Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be wealthy to leave a gift in my will?
No. Legacy gifts can be made in many amounts and forms. Some donors leave a fixed amount, while others choose a small percentage or the remainder after gifts to family and friends have been fulfilled.
Do I need to tell United Way about my planned gift?
Notification is generally not required, but it can be helpful. A confidential conversation allows United Way to understand your intentions, discuss any proposed restrictions and ensure we have the correct contact information.
Can I change my charitable gift later?
Gifts made through a revocable will, trust or beneficiary designation can often be changed while you are living. The requirements depend on the document or account. Consult your attorney, insurer or account administrator before making changes.
Can I provide for my family and still support charity?
Yes. Some donors first provide for family and other loved ones, then leave a percentage or remaining portion of the estate to charity. Your attorney can help structure a plan based on your priorities.
What information does my attorney need?
Provide the legal name United Way of Northwest Illinois, its Freeport mailing address and federal tax identification number 36-2218134. Your attorney should prepare or approve the final language.
Start a Confidential Planned-Giving Conversation
We welcome the opportunity to learn about your wishes and answer questions about creating a lasting local impact.
Call 815-232-5184 or contact United Way of Northwest Illinois.
This page provides general educational information only. United Way of Northwest Illinois does not provide legal, tax, accounting or investment advice. Please consult your attorney and professional advisers. Last reviewed: September 2026.