Build a Legacy with Planned Giving

President Gerald R. Ford believed that leadership begins with character and that a strong democracy depends on an informed, engaged citizenry. Together with First Lady Betty Ford, he modeled a life of service grounded in honesty, humility, and compassion.

The Ford Legacy Society honors those who share this belief by making a planned gift to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, ensuring that President and Mrs. Ford’s legacy of integrity, civic understanding, and public service endures for future generations. Membership in the Ford Legacy Society recognizes your intention to invest in the long-term strength of our democracy through education, dialogue, and historical preservation.

The Ford Legacy Society recognizes those who have included the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation in their estate plans through charitable bequests, trusts, beneficiary designations, insurance, or other forms of deferred giving.

What is a planned gift?

Planned gifts can be made using a wide variety of assets, including cash, appreciated securities, IRA and other retirement accounts, real estate, insurance policies, personal property, or business interests.

Three of the most common planned gifts are bequests, beneficiary designations, and IRA rollovers.

Bequests – You can include a bequest in your will or trust by specifying a dollar amount or a percentage of the remainder of your estate, or a specific asset. Depending on your situation, this may help lessen your estate tax burden. Please contact us for bequests involving assets.

Beneficiary Designations – Adding the Ford Presidential Foundation as a full or partial beneficiary of certain assets like an IRA or other retirement account, bank account, or insurance policy is a simple way to make an impactful gift that may provide tax benefits to your estate.

IRA Rollovers – Technically called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), this type of gift is fairly easy and may provide tremendous benefits to you and your estate. If you are 70 ½ or older, simply ask your IRA plan administrator to make a direct transfer to the Ford Presidential Foundation. The direct transfer reduces your taxable income and may count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year, as long as certain rules are met.

Please consult your tax accountant, attorney, or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation regarding these opportunities and other gift planning options that may be beneficial to you and your family.

How do I make a planned gift?

We would be honored to be included in your giving plans. Please contact us or print and fill out this form so we can ensure we record your gift’s intended purpose, and your wishes for recognition during your lifetime and after.

If you or your professional advisor have any questions, please let us know. We would be pleased to be of assistance. 

Jacqueline Poulson
Donor Relations Coordinator
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
(616) 254-0396
jpoulson@38foundation.org