Frequently Asked Questions

To make a bequest to Earthjustice that qualifies for a federal estate tax charitable deduction, you will need this information:

Legal Name: Earthjustice
Address: 180 Steuart St., #194330, San Francisco, CA 94105
Tax ID: 94-1730465

From Sam and Diana Kirschner, Evergreen Council members:

“Earthjustice creates tremendous results, and we are happy knowing that our bequest will have an impact for many years, helping to ensure that future generations inherit an environment with clean air, pure water, and healthy food.

“What better gift can you give to your family, to your community, and to our planet?”

A will should be reviewed every five years or so to ensure it’s up to date. A will accomplishes some very important tasks:

• Directs your assets where you choose
• Reflects your most important relationships, even those that are not recognized in law: companions, partners, caregivers, “honorary” family members, and others whom you would like to recognize in your plans
• Allows you to designate guardians, set up trusts for young family members or for those with special needs, and even provide for much-loved animal companions
• Can incorporate gifts to charity
• Appoints executors to help manage your estate

Some people find that creating a living trust is a better choice than utilizing a will as their primary planning document, but your attorney can best advise you on whether a living trust, will, or both is appropriate for your situation.

Some other documents that should be included in your plan are:

• Updated beneficiary designation forms: Some of your assets do not pass through your will – retirement plan assets, life insurance, and more. It’s important to designate beneficiaries for each of your accounts, and to discuss with your attorney the best way to direct your assets.
• Financial power of attorney: A power of attorney document authorizes the person you choose to handle financial matters on your behalf if you are not able to or become incapacitated. The power of attorney is limited and applies to only the specific types of matters and transactions you authorize in the document. A financial power of attorney does not grant the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf and is valid only during your lifetime.
• Advance care directive: This document helps you manage health care decisions. It allows you to share your wishes and preferences for medical and end-of-life care should you be unable to make those decisions for yourself. Depending on your U.S. state, you may be able to appoint the person you would like to make the decisions for you. In some states, there is a separate document called a health care power of attorney.

It’s a good idea to review your plans every five years or so, or when you anticipate or have experienced a significant life change:

• Retirement
• Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
• A change in your health situation, etc.

A regular “tune-up” is a great way to ensure your plans will always accomplish what you choose.

If you've already included Earthjustice in your will, please tell us about your gift.

There is no obligation attached to sharing your gift — you can change your mind at any time and for any reason.

If you do share your wishes, we would love to welcome you to the Evergreen Council, and express our gratitude.

When you share your future intentions, it means that we can more appropriately communicate with you by learning how and when you might like to hear from us — or not!

If you've already included Earthjustice in your will, please tell us about your gift.

None of us know what the future holds or how our needs might change. That’s why it’s good to review and update your plans regularly.

Sometimes that means a gift that had been directed to Earthjustice must be allocated to more pressing needs; other times it means that a gift to Earthjustice might be added.

But the decision is always yours to make.

And if you have a family member with special needs, it’s imperative that you do so. Good counsel when planning can help avoid many problems later.

Although Earthjustice cannot offer legal advice or recommend specific attorneys, we are happy to provide information about available resources for finding and selecting an estate planning attorney. Visit our resources on finding an estate planner.

Please see our booklet, The Busy Environmental Activist’s Guide to Planned Giving, which presents a set of strategies and processes aimed at helping nonprofits of any size secure and steward planned gifts from their donors.

Email us at legacy@earthjustice.org or call (800) 584-6460 during Pacific Time business hours.