Make a Planned Gift

Invest in the Future of Equality

Equality. Each of us has a vision of what that looks like for themselves. And members of our Legacy of Equality Society are forward-thinkers that share a vision of what that looks like for future generations. This shared vision of a fair and equal Florida, where LGBTQ Floridians are valued equally and are free to be who they are is achievable. We firmly believe that, have fought for it for more than twenty-five years, and will continue to fight for that for a very long time.

By leaving a gift that funds the future of equality, you will help make our vision a reality. LGBTQ youth feeling safe, valued, and authentic in our school systems. Trans and non-binary people living without fear and with full authenticity and autonomy. LGBTQ people of all ages, races and faiths having access to affordable, compassionate healthcare. And all the many other aspects of legal and lived equality. We invite you to join the hundreds of individuals who have already made legacy commitments to help secure a future Florida grounded in equality. 

Making a planned gift to Equality Florida is easy! Sometimes, it doesn’t even have to involve an attorney.* And some legacies can provide you with significant tax benefits while you are alive.** Below are several ways to leave a planned gift Equality Florida:

• Include Equality Florida in your Will. To include Equality Florida as a beneficiary in your Will, simply include the following language: “I hereby give and bequeath [specific amount of cash, a percentage of your total assets, specific assets, or the residual of your estate] to Equality Florida [P.O. Box 13184, St. Petersburg, FL 33733, EIN 59-3435235 or 47-1338104]*** for its general purposes.”
• Include Equality Florida in your Trust. Include the following language in your trust document: “I hereby direct the Successor Trustee to distribute [specific amount of cash, a percentage of your total assets, specific assets, or the residual of your estate] to Equality Florida (P.O. Box 13184, St. Petersburg, FL 33733, EIN 59-3435235 or 47-1338104), which may use said gift for its general purposes.”
• Make Equality Florida a Beneficiary of Brokerage Account or Retirement Assets. Designate Equality Florida beneficiary of your transfer on death (TOD) brokerage account by completing the appropriate form. Make sure you receive acknowledgement that the form has been received and recorded. Contact your insurance issuer or custodian/administrator of your retirement assets (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), annuity, pension, etc.) and request a change of beneficiary form. Complete the form to include Equality Florida as a beneficiary and return it as directed. Make sure you receive acknowledgement that the form has been received and recorded.
• Include Equality Florida in Your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Residual. Your written contract with the holder of your DAF can provide that all or part of the amount remaining in the DAF at your death be distributed to Equality Florida. You can designate Equality Florida as a beneficiary of your account when you set up your DAF or thereafter.

In recognition of their commitment, each Legacy of Equality Society member receives:

• Invitations to Legacy of Equality Society events
• Special communication from Equality Florida leadership
• Recognition on our website and in print and digital media; and
• Special recognition at galas and other in-person events

If you have questions about making a planned gift to Equality Florida, please email Mark Puskarich at [email protected].

Use FreeWill.com to Make Your Planned Gift at No Cost

Equality Florida partners with FreeWill, a cost-free, streamlined, and intuitive online platform that takes the guesswork out of creating or updating a will and ensures a meaningful legacy by connecting users with their favorite non-profits. In just 20 minutes, you can ensure that LGBTQ rights will be protected for years to come. Once you have completed your will at FreeWill.com, please call us at (813) 870-3735 to join our Legacy of Equality Society.

Hear from a Legacy of Equality Society Member

Hear Bob Coates discuss what Equality Florida means to him and why he became a Legacy of Equality Society member.

Legacy of Equality Society Membership Listing

We’re grateful for these Legacy of Equality Society members:

*We encourage you to consult with an attorney regarding your estate plans. We cannot provide legal or tax advice.

**We cannot speak to the tax implications of your gift. Please consult an attorney or your tax advisor regarding the specific benefits of any gift in favor of Equality Florida.

***“Equality Florida” refers collectively to Equality Florida Institute, Inc. (a 501(c)3 organization; Employer Identification Number 59-3435235) and Equality Florida Action, Inc. (a 501(c)4 organization; Employer Identification Number 47-1338104). Gifts to Equality Florida Institute, Inc., our educational charity, are tax deductible to the extent permitted by applicable laws. Gifts to Equality Florida Action, Inc., our lobbying and advocacy organization, are not tax deductible. We encourage you to consider directing your gift to Equality Florida Action, Inc., to support our essential work of advocating for LGBTQ rights with legislative and other government bodies. Contact us for more information.

Planned Giving Partner Network

The Planned Giving Partner Network is a group of accountants, attorneys, and wealth managers who have agreed to partner with Equality Florida to advance LGBTQ planned giving in Florida. Please note: A listing in this directory does not suggest an endorsement of the professional’s skills, competency, or suitability for any particular situation. Equality Florida has not independently verified compliance with licensing or other professional requirements.

If you would like to join the Planned Giving Partner Network, please email Mark Puskarich at [email protected]. 

Questions?

If you have questions about making a planned gift to Equality Florida, please email Mark Puskarich at [email protected].