Charitable bequests are gifts made from your estate, after your death, as a result of instructions outlined in your will. Bequests can be of a specific dollar amount, a specific asset or assets or for a percentage of your estate.

If you choose to give a gift to St. John's Hospital through your will, you can make your bequest available for our immediate use or you may restrict it to endowment. With endowment gifts, a portion of the investment earnings are used to fulfill the stated purpose of the gift.

It is important to remember a gift made through your will is revocable until death, there are no immediate income tax benefits. However, charitable bequests do qualify for an estate tax deduction*, which may be a concern for you if you are planning to leave a portion of your estate to individuals.

How it works

1. You can provide now for a future gift to the Friends of St. John’s Hospital by including a bequest provision in your will or revocable trust.
2. Your will or trust directs assets to your heirs.
3. Your will or trust directs a bequest to the Foundation for the purpose(s) you specify.

Benefits

• Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime.
• You can modify your bequest if your circumstances change.
• You can direct your bequest to a particular purpose (be sure to check with the Friends of St. John’s Hospital Foundation to make sure your gift can be used as intended).
• There is no upper limit on the estate tax deductions that can be taken for charitable bequests.
• You can have the satisfaction now of knowing that your bequest will support St. John’s Hospital in the way you intended when you are gone.

If you have or are planning on including St. John's Hospital in your will, you are eligible to become a member of The Legacy Society.

If you have already made provisions in your will to benefit St. John’s Hospital, please contact us.

For more information

For more information on bequests, please email or call the Friends of St. John's at (217) 544-6464, ext. 45160.

* The information contained in this website is for informational purposes. You should seek advice from your personal legal or tax advisor to determine your individual tax benefits.