What is a Legacy Gift?
Your Values. Your Legacy. Their Future.
A legacy gift — sometimes called a planned gift — is a decision to include Lotus Foundation in your will, trust, or estate plans. It costs nothing today. There is no minimum amount. And it may be one of the most meaningful things you ever do.
Many planned gifts also come with significant tax advantages, often making them worth more to survivors than a comparable gift made during your lifetime.
How It Works
There is no single right way to leave a legacy.
Here are the most common options — and one is likely simpler than you think.
Bequest in Your Will or Trust
IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
Bequest in Your Will or Trust
Most Common
Ask your attorney to include language leaving Lotus Foundation a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or whatever remains after other gifts are made. Sample wording is available — just ask us.
Beneficiary Designation
IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
Bequest in Your Will or Trust
Easiest to Set Up
Name Lotus Foundation as a beneficiary on a retirement account (IRA, 401(k), 403(b)), life insurance policy, or bank account. Often just a form change with your plan administrator — no attorney needed.
IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
Tax-Advantaged
If you are 70½ or older, you may transfer up to $105,000 per year directly from your IRA to Lotus Foundation. This counts toward your required minimum distribution and is excluded from your taxable income.
Charitable Remainder Trust
Charitable Remainder Trust
IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
Income During Lifetime
Place assets in a trust that provides you with income during your lifetime. When the trust ends, the remaining assets pass to Lotus Foundation. A powerful option for donors with significant appreciated assets.
Real Property
Charitable Remainder Trust
Not Sure Where To Start?
Board Approval Required
Gifts of real estate — residential, commercial, or land — may be accepted following a review by our Board of Directors. Contact us to discuss whether a property gift may be the right fit.
Not Sure Where To Start?
Charitable Remainder Trust
Not Sure Where To Start?
There’s no obligation and no pressure. We’re happy to answer questions and walk through what’s possible with you.
The Lotus Legacy Circle
Donors who notify us of a planned or legacy gift are welcomed into the Lotus Legacy Circle — a community of visionary supporters who have chosen to invest in the long-term future of survivors in Colorado. Membership is entirely voluntary and confidential unless you choose otherwise.
PERKS
• Personal acknowledgment from our Executive Director
• Annual impact updates
• Recognition in our annual report (with your permission)
• Invitation to special organizational events
• Recognition as a founding member
Donor and Advisor Information
Legal Name
State of Incorporation
State of Incorporation
Lotus Foundation
State of Incorporation
State of Incorporation
State of Incorporation
Colorado
Federal Tax Status
Federal Tax Status
Federal Tax Status
501(c)(3) Public Charity
EIN
Federal Tax Status
Federal Tax Status
37-2097793
Gifts to Lotus Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. This page does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult with your own advisors regarding the tax implications of any charitable gift.
Common Questions
We have answers.
A: You are never required to notify us, and your gift will be honored regardless. That said, we warmly encourage you to let us know — it allows us to thank you, keep you updated on the organization’s impact, and welcome you into the Lotus Legacy Circle. We will always honor your preference for privacy.
A: There is no minimum. Legacy gifts of all sizes make a meaningful difference. Even a small percentage of an estate can translate into significant support for survivors for years to come.
A: A legacy gift is a personal decision that you can change at any time. We understand that life circumstances evolve, and we would never want a planned gift to create financial hardship. Simply work with your attorney or financial advisor to update your documents.
A: Unless you specify a restriction, your gift will be directed where it is most needed — supporting survivor advocacy, case management services, and the long-term sustainability of Lotus Foundation’s mission. If you have a particular program or purpose in mind, we welcome that conversation.
A: A common bequest clause reads: “I give [dollar amount / percentage / residue] of my estate to Lotus Foundation, a Colorado nonprofit corporation (EIN: 37-2097793), to be used for its general charitable purposes.” We recommend sharing this with your attorney, who can tailor it to your specific plans.
A: Absolutely — and we encourage it. There is no obligation involved in having a conversation. You can reach out to our Executive Director, Heather Starr, at info@lotusfoundationco.org or 719-290-8916.
Get In Touch
Let's have a conversation.
There is no obligation, no pressure, and no minimum. If you’re curious about legacy giving, want to ask a question, or are ready to take the next step, we’d be honored to hear from you.
We are also happy to provide information directly to your estate planning attorney or financial advisor upon request.
Fill Our the Form Or Reach Out Directly:
Executive Director: Heather Starr
Email: info@lotusfoundationco.org
Phone: 719-290-8916
Mailing Address: 6050 Stetson Hills Blvd #241, Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Copyright © 2023 Lotus Foundation - All Rights Reserved.
Lotus Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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