Legacy Giving: Planned Giving Options

Create a legacy of safety and hope by including DC SAFE in your estate plans. Your generosity ensures that survivors of domestic violence in Washington, DC will continue to have immediate access to protection, shelter, and support for years to come.

There are several meaningful ways to remember DC SAFE in your long-term plans. Each option allows you to make a lasting difference without affecting your financial security today. If you’d like to discuss your goals or learn more, please contact Bridget Claborn, Director of Strategy & Advancement, at donation@dcsafe.org

Gifts through a Will or Living Trust

A bequest to DC SAFE is a simple way to create a legacy of impact. Advantages include:

  • Easy to arrange with your attorney

  • Flexible if your circumstances or priorities change

  • Allows you to support survivors without affecting your current resources

Suggested Language for a Specific Gift

I give and bequeath to DC SAFE, Inc. (Tax ID # 41-2226446), a nonprofit organization located in Washington, DC, the sum of $_________ (or a specific asset) to be used for its general charitable purposes (or to support [name of program]).

Contingent Bequest language

You may also choose to name DC SAFE as a secondary beneficiary, ensuring that if your original intentions cannot be carried out, your estate will still advance safety and resilience for survivors.

If (insert name) does not survive me, I give and bequeath to DC SAFE, Inc. (Tax ID # [insert]), located in Washington, DC, the sum of $_________ (or all or a percentage of the remainder of my estate) to be used for its general charitable purposes (or to support [name of program]).

Residual Bequest language

A residual gift directs what remains of your estate, after other commitments are met, to DC SAFE:

I give and bequeath to DC SAFE, Inc. (Tax ID # [insert]), located in Washington, DC, all (or ____%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to be used for its general charitable purposes (or to support [name of program]).

Retirement plan Beneficiary language

You can support DC SAFE by naming us as a beneficiary of your IRA or other qualified retirement account. This type of planned gift may provide significant tax advantages while ensuring your legacy advances safety and support for survivors of domestic violence. We encourage you to consult with your financial or tax advisor about the benefits for your individual situation.

Retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, Keogh plans, and profit-sharing plans can be heavily taxed when left to heirs. By designating DC SAFE (Tax ID #41-2226446) as a beneficiary, you retain full control of your assets during your lifetime, and at your passing, the remaining funds go directly to support survivors—free of both estate and income taxes.

Setting up this type of gift is straightforward and generally does not require legal fees. To begin, contact your plan administrator and request a change-of-beneficiary form. Once completed, return the form to your administrator and let DC SAFE know of your plans so that we can honor your commitment and ensure your wishes are recorded. We are also glad to provide suggested wording to assist with the beneficiary designation process.