Leave a legacy.

Your Story. Your Legacy. Your Library.

A bequest can be the most powerful charitable gift you make. As you reflect on your legacy, we invite you to consider the many ways you can preserve your estate for your family and continue to build a strong, thriving Library for decades to come.

The benefits of leaving a bequest gift to the Foundation

  • It’s easy to do and it’s revocable. You can make changes to your bequest plan at any time.
  • You can gift a percentage or specific amount of your estate or property.
  • Your unrestricted bequest gift will build and strengthen our endowment, ensuring invaluable Library programs and services exist for future generations.

Thank you for considering writing a new chapter in your memoir and strengthening the Pierce County Library System. Contact Dean Carrell at 253-548-3456 to learn more.

We encourage you to consult a professional advisor to understand the best options for your unique situation prior to making or structuring a planned gift.

Bequests in your will or trust

Common bequest types include:

  • Residential bequest – A percent of the remainder of your estate after other specific legacies have been fulfilled.
  • Specific bequest – A specific dollar amount, stated percentage of your estate, or a specified gift-in-kind such as collections, arts, books, jewelry, etc.
  • Contingent bequest – A gift that is originally intended for other beneficiaries but, in the event of their prior passing – is redirected as a charitable donation.

Get sample will language.

Ready to get started? Access FreeWill tools and resources to write your will and support the work of the Foundation for generations to come.

Charitable Gift Annuities, Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Lead Trusts

  • Charitable Gift Annuity– creates a fixed income for you or a loved one’s remaining lifetime. This plan allows you to give a substantial donation to the Foundation while also receiving tax-favored income for life. Charitable gift annuities offer attractive income payout rates while providing long-term support for library communities.
  • Charitable Remainder Trust– receive income for life, reduce your taxes, and support the Foundation by transferring assets to fund a trust. This option pays you or your beneficiaries income for life and you also receive an income tax deduction in the year assets transfer to the trust. The remaining portion of the trust, after all payments have been made, goes to the Foundation.
  • Charitable Lead Trust– pays income to one or more charitable organizations, typically for a set period, and then the remaining assets of the trust pass to non-charitable beneficiaries, such as family members.

Pierce County Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Tax ID number: 51-0180293