Give Through Your Will

Leave a Legacy of Opportunity

The work of Communities In Schools of Washington is made possible by the dedication of school-based staff, the resilience of students, and the generosity of supporters like you. Join us in building a future where every student has the support they need to succeed. By including Communities In Schools of Washington in your estate or financial plans, you can leave a lasting impact on students across the state.

Bequest: Through Your Estate Plan | Your Retirement Plan or Life Insurance

Multi-colored collage image of CIS staff and students

Bequest: Through Your Estate Plan

A gift through your will or trust is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in equity, education, and opportunity. Your legacy can help ensure that future generations of students—especially those facing the greatest barriers—receive the support they need to succeed in school and in life.

When you include CISWA in your estate plans, you affirm your belief that every student deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance.

Why Give Through Your Will or Trust?

Benefits:

Revocable. You can change your bequest intentions at any time during your lifetime by simply modifying the language in your will or trust.
Control. You retain ownership and control of your assets during your lifetime since they won’t pass to CISWA s until your death.
Estate tax savings. Although only a small percentage of individuals will incur estate tax at their death, those individuals who are subject to estate tax can benefit from having charitable provisions in their will or trust since assets distributed to charity at death won’t be subject to estate tax.

No matter the size, your legacy gift helps sustain programs that remove barriers and build brighter futures.

Key Information for Your Estate Plan

Legal Name: Communities In Schools of Washington
Tax ID (EIN): 91-1541026
Address: 1001 Pacific Avenue, Suite 240, Tacoma, WA 98402
Type of Organization: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Purpose: To support CISWA’s general mission or a specific program if designated

Note: Washington is a community property state. If you are married, your spouse may need to consent to gifting more than half of certain jointly owned assets. Your legal advisor can help ensure your plans reflect your intentions.

Sample Language for Your Will or Trust

To include CISWA, share this with your attorney or estate planner:

“I give to Communities In Schools of Washington, a nonprofit corporation located at 1001 Pacific Avenue, Suite 240, Tacoma, WA 98402 (Tax ID: 91-1541026), the sum of $______ [or __% of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate] for its general purposes.”

We recommend consulting with your attorney or financial advisor to ensure your gift reflects your intentions and is aligned with your financial circumstances.

Your Retirement Plan or Life Insurance

Your retirement accounts or life insurance policies can do more than provide for your loved ones—they can also be a meaningful way to support Communities In Schools of Washington for generations to come.

Designating CISWA as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), Keogh, or life insurance plan is a simple way to create a legacy that helps students stay in school and succeed.

Why Consider Gifts Through Your Retirement Plan or Life Insurance?

You retain access to your assets during your lifetime.
Your gift becomes effective only after your lifetime (or that of your spouse/partner).
You can designate CISWA to receive all or a percentage of your remaining account balance.
Naming CISWA as a beneficiary may help reduce income tax liabilities for your heirs and potentially reduce estate taxes.

How to Make a Gift Through Your Retirement Account or Life Insurance

Contact your plan administrator or insurance provider and request a beneficiary designation form.
Complete the form using the following information:
- Communities In Schools of Washington
  1001 Pacific Ave, Suite 240
  Tacoma, WA 98402
- Phone: 253-248-1991
- Email: carina@ciswa.org
- Tax ID Number: 91-1541026
Name CISWA as a:
- Primary beneficiary (to receive the gift outright)
- Secondary (contingent) beneficiary (to receive the gift only if your primary beneficiary does not survive you)
- Partial beneficiary (to receive a percentage alongside other individuals or organizations)

Other Accounts Your Can Designate

You can also extend your support for students by naming Communities In Schools of Washington as a beneficiary on a variety of financial accounts and instruments. This allows you to make a meaningful impact without affecting your current income or estate.

Options include:

Life Insurance Policies – employer-provided or individual
Bank or Brokerage Accounts – with “Pay on Death” (POD) or “Transfer on Death” (TOD) designations
Donor-Advised Funds or Charitable Gift Accounts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bequest and a beneficiary designation?

A bequest is a gift made through your will or trust and takes effect after your death through the probate process. A beneficiary designation names CISWA directly on accounts like retirement plans or life insurance, so those assets transfer immediately outside of probate.

Can I change or revoke my legacy gift?

Yes. You can change or revoke your bequest by updating your will or trust with your attorney. Beneficiary designations can usually be updated at any time by contacting your plan or account administrator.

What if I want to leave a gift but still provide for my family first?

You can name your spouse or loved ones as primary beneficiaries and CISWA as a contingent beneficiary. That way, CISWA receives the gift only if your primary beneficiaries are no longer living.

Are legacy gifts tax-deductible?

Because these gifts occur after your lifetime, they are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions. However, naming a charity as a beneficiary of retirement accounts or life insurance can reduce estate and income taxes for your heirs. For your records, Communities In Schools of Washington’s Tax ID is 91-1541026

How do I let CISWA know about my legacy gift?

You can notify us anytime by contacting Carina Raddatz at carina@ciswa.org or 253-248-1991. While you’re never obligated to share your plans, we appreciate the opportunity to thank you and ensure your wishes are honored.

Can I remain anonymous?

Absolutely. We respect your privacy and can honor your wishes for anonymity while still recognizing your generous commitment.

Please note: This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. We encourage you to consult your legal and financial advisors to understand how a legacy gift would work in your specific circumstances. Laws and regulations vary by state and change over time.