Sunny Glen asks supporters to include the home in estate plans

Sunny Glen Children’s Home is urging donors to consider planned gifts during National Make-A-Will Month, saying even modest bequests can help sustain its care for children and families for years. The San Benito, Texas, nonprofit is pointing supporters to wills, trusts and beneficiary designations as ways to extend its mission.

Why it matters: - Planned gifts can provide long-term support for Sunny Glen Children’s Home without affecting a supporter’s day-to-day finances. - The nonprofit says estate gifts can help ensure care, counseling and a safe place to begin again remain available for children who need them in the future. - A legacy gift can be as simple as a sentence in a will, making planned giving accessible to more supporters than many people may expect.

What happened: - During National Make-A-Will Month in August, Sunny Glen Children’s Home asked supporters to consider including the organization in their wills or estate plans. - The appeal was aimed at people who want their values and favorite causes to continue making a difference after their lifetime. - The San Benito, Texas-based residential care organization also encouraged supporters who are not ready for a planned gift to donate through its online donation page.

The details: - Supporters can name Sunny Glen as a beneficiary of an IRA, life insurance policy or investment account. - Planned gifts can also come through a will, a trust, real estate, securities, mineral rights or a charitable remainder trust. - Gift sizes can vary and do not have to come from a large estate. - A planned gift can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of an estate or a beneficiary designation through a financial institution. - Many planned gifts are arranged now and distributed later, which allows donors to plan ahead while preserving current cash flow. - Sunny Glen said interested supporters can call 956-399-5356, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to learn how to include the organization in a will or estate plan, request sample wording or ask about the 1936 Society.

Between the lines: - Sunny Glen is positioning planned giving as a continuation of a long-term community role, not just a fundraising tactic. - The organization said its work has been sustained in part by generations of donors who invested in children both now and in the future. - The message is especially pointed for supporters who want to help beyond a one-time donation but may not have the ability to give a large amount today. - Sunny Glen’s appeal also reflects a broader nonprofit strategy: use estate planning moments to convert general goodwill into future revenue.

What's next: - Supporters can review existing wills, talk with family members and consult professional advisors during National Make-A-Will Month. - Those interested in planned giving can contact Sunny Glen for sample language and more information about legacy options. - People who prefer to help now can make an immediate donation through the organization’s online giving page.

The bottom line: - Sunny Glen wants donors to see legacy giving as a practical way to keep helping abused and neglected children long after today’s gift is gone.