Legacy Giving:  Plant the Seeds for Tomorrow’s Sadh Sangat

A planned gift through your will, trust, or beneficiary designation allows you to protect your assets today and protect your family’s financial well-being, while serving the global Sadh Sangat for years to come.

By making a legacy gift to Sikh Dharma International, you help carry the light of the Guru’s teachings into the future, ensuring that our global community continues to thrive, serve, and uplift humanity for generations.

Benefits

• You may change your bequest or trust designation at any time
• You control the funding property during your lifetime
• Your bequest or trust designation will not be subject to any potential federal estate tax
• You provide lasting support for Sikh Dharma International

Let Us Know!

If you have included a gift to us in your will or trust, please let us know by sending us an email. Additionally, we have prepared this form [ Confidential Planned Gift Letter of Intent  ] to be filled out and sent to us at dasvandh@sikhdharma.org 

By letting us know, you ensure your gift is used as you intended and give us the opportunity to thank you personally.

Even if you report your gift today, you are still able to alter your plans in the future.

Ways to Include Us in Your Planned Gift

Planned giving can be easy! Follow our guide to learn how you can make the next steps towards having a lasting impact on Sikh Dharma. The most common vehicles for planned gifts are will and trust bequests and beneficiary designations.

Will and Trust Bequests

Don’t have a will or trust yet?

Creating a legal estate plan is simpler than most people think. FreeWill is a free, secure online tool that walks you through drafting your legal will or trust in about 20 minutes. You can use this resource on its own or use it to document your wishes before finalizing your plans with an attorney. While creating your plan, you can include a planned gift to Sikh Dharma International to support our mission for years to come.

START YOUR LEGACY TODAY

Already have a will or trust?

If you already have an estate plan, you do not need to rewrite it completely to include a legacy gift. You can easily add a gift to Sikh Dharma International by making a simple update called a codicil.

A codicil is a short legal addendum that modifies your existing will without starting from scratch. You can also contact your estate planning attorney to add a legacy bequest directly to your existing trust.

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE CODICIL REQUEST FORM

Beneficiary Designations

Did you know you can make a gift to Sikh Dharma International without using a will? Many financial accounts pass directly to designated beneficiaries outside of probate. You can name Sikh Dharma International as a primary or contingent beneficiary on:

• Retirement Accounts (IRAs, 401ks, 403(b)s, 457s, Simplified Employee Pension): Passing retirement assets to a charity avoids income taxes that family members might otherwise pay on those distributions.
• Life Insurance Policies: Allocate a specific dollar amount or percentage of a policy you no longer need for immediate family protection.
• Bank & Investment Accounts: Add a Transferable on Death (TOD) or Payable on Death (POD) designation directly through your financial institution.

DOWNLOAD BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION GUIDE

Other Meaningful Ways to Give

• IRA Charitable Rollover (Qualified Charitable Distribution): If you are 70½ or older, you can make tax-free gifts directly from your IRA to Sikh Dharma International, counting toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
• Donor-Advised Funds (DAF): Name Sikh Dharma International as the final beneficiary of your DAF to continue directing grants to support the global Sangat.
• Real Estate & Tangible Property: Gift property or physical assets while potentially unlocking substantial capital gains tax savings.

Other Resources

• Download [Sample Bequest Language for Wills & Living Trusts]
• Download [Sample Disposition of Remains Directive], for ensuring cremation protocols.
• Download [Booklet on Death – End of Life Reference Guide]
• Download [Confidential Planned Gift Letter of Intent] to be filled out and sent to us at dasvandh@sikhdharma.org

*The materials and sample forms provided on this page are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Estate planning laws vary by state. Sikh Dharma International is not engaged in rendering legal services. Please consult your attorney or financial advisor to ensure your planned gift complies with local laws and aligns with your personal goals.