Legacy Gifts - Planned Giving Program
Create your Legacy and leave an imprint on the future
A legacy plan empowers you to complete the work in your heart, assure that nothing in your estate is wasted, that no one is left out, and that every dream is fulfilled.
A stone monument features plaques honoring visionaries, with text in English and Hebrew. A central plaque includes a photo of a dog and a person. The dedication reads, “Dedicated to people who envision a better future.”
The Legacy Society Recognition Wall
When you leave a legacy gift from your estate, your generosity will have a lasting impact and we will permanently add your name to our “Visionaries Wall.”
“Each of us has a name given by the mountain and given by our walls
Each of us has a name given by our celebrations and given by our work”
– Israeli poet, Zelda
In 2020, we built our Visionary Wall to honor those who remembered us in their legacy plans. These names allow us the opportunity to reflect and honor the generosity of donors that were committed to changing lives, addressing our future needs, and supporting our mission to create a more just and equitable society.
The Impact of Donor Partnerships
A true friend is someone who shares your passions, is there when you need help, and genuinely cares about you. Thank you for your friendship! Because of your support, Israel Guide Dog Center has grown from a simple dream to an organization critical to Israel and its people.
We don’t take your friendship for granted. We value you and the things you’re passionate about, including Israel, dogs, and our shared future. When you join the Israel Guide Dog Center Legacy Society, you help protect all that we have accomplished and ensure the long-term success of our programs and organization.
Maryiem. A Story of True Friendship
Maryiem is a bright and energetic 19-year-old who trained for the 2022 Jiu Jitsu European Championship as the only blind competitor. She trains for two hours a day, six days a week, all while acclimating to her first year at university. She is able to accomplish all of this thanks to her guide dog, Riga!
Mariyem was born with retinal detachment in one eye and lost vision in her other eye at the age of 10. She gradually realized that she needed to live her life to the fullest and take responsibility not just for herself, but for another being too. And taking care of Riga has helped her mature and grow as an independent woman.
“Riga is my big love. I’m never alone and I’m so happy. Riga is calm, and she calms me as well. She is perfect!”
Legacy Donor Stories & Testimonials
Many of our friends have chosen to support our mission and vision by making a planned gift to Israel Guide Dog Center. We hope in reading some of our friends’ stories, you’ll be inspired to follow in their footsteps.
Learn About Carol
I believe giving and sharing makes us happier, while helping those less fortunate.
When my husband passed away in 2002, I felt it was important to get my financial affairs in order. As I had no heirs, I knew my estate must be left to causes which I felt strongly about.
It is our responsibility to ensure that we can help organizations continue doing good work. The gift of sight is so important to me and I knew I wanted to help those who couldn’t see. After coming across information about the Israel Guide Dog Center, I decided to visit Israel and the Center.
I was amazed by the hard work and dedication of all involved in the training of the future guide dogs. Each recipient is given a dog for life. Every dog is replaced when they get too old, and all dogs are given free of charge.
Needless to say, this is expensive and cannot be done without financial assistance.
Learn About Thelma
With so many worthy causes, I had to follow my heart.
There are many good causes whose appeals land on my doorstep. But there is one that has especially tugged at my heartstrings.
The plight of blind people – can you imagine not being able to see – who are able to live full and independent lives with the help of a specially trained dog.
I had the privilege of visiting the Center in Israel and was greatly moved and excited to see how this amazing work is achieved. I immediately decided to leave a bequest to them in my will.
Although I am approaching my 96th birthday, I am in good health and hope it will be a long time before they can enjoy my gift.
Ways to Make a Legacy Gift
Creating a Legacy plan is a personal and meaningful experience. There are many ways to fund your Legacy gift, and we’re here to help you get started. Through your Legacy gift, you support our future and build a lasting Legacy.
As always, you should consult with your tax advisor to determine your gift’s impact on your taxes and estate.
Will & Trust
Naming the Israel Guide Dog Center as a beneficiary in your Trust or Will is a lasting testament to your generosity and passion about Israel, dogs, and our collective future. It can be your positive and enduring impact on the world.
Beneficiary Designations
If you’re 70 1/2 or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows you to donate up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to a charity like the Israel Guide Dog Center, without having to include the distribution as taxable income. This can be a savvy way to fulfill your required minimum distribution, potentially lower your income taxes, and make a significant charitable impact all at once.
Stock or Real Estate
Donating stock is a “tax smart” way to support the Israel Guide Dog Center while also limiting your capital gains tax. Many of our most committed donors find they’re able to give more generously when they donate appreciated assets than if they’d simply given cash.
Now What?
If you decided to leave a gift in your will, you will need:
Charity Name: Israel Guide Dog Center
Tax ID: #23-2519029
* You should consult with your tax advisor to determine the impact your gift may have on your estate.
Our Promise to You
We are deeply grateful to you for including Israel Guide Dog Center in your Legacy plan. By joining our Legacy program, you become a lasting partner in our mission to support Israel and its people.
We understand that making a decision about your will is very personal. That’s why we won’t ask you to declare your intentions, though we would be delighted to hear from you, so we can thank you.
Join us as we build a vibrant future
We invite you to learn about including Israel Guide Dog Center in your Legacy plan. When you join us, you become part of our passionate community of Israel Guide Dog Center supporters from around the world and help ensure a strong future for us and all of Israel.
Call Gail at 215-343-9100 or click here to read our brochure and learn more.