Make A Free and Flourishing Pennsylvania Part of Your Legacy
Why Join the Don Kirkland Society?
Are you concerned about the future of Pennsylvania and our nation? Do you want to meet the enduring need for a permanent force fighting for our shared principles? And do you want to leave a legacy for freedom for your kids, grandkids, and beyond?
All Pennsylvanians deserve an opportunity to pursue their dreams and earn success—and where Pennsylvania goes, America follows. The Commonwealth Foundation exists to ensure that our state writes a new chapter in America’s story, and we invite you to partner with us.
Joining the Don Kirkland Society is one crucial way to be part of our long-term success.
By including the Commonwealth Foundation in your will, as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, or through several other kinds of planned gifts, you will join an exclusive group of supporters who are among the most generous and committed friends of our organization.
Most of these gifts cost you nothing now, but they demonstrate a commitment to never let the light of liberty grow dim in Pennsylvania.
Kirkland Society members receive exclusive benefits, including special updates from Commonwealth Foundation executives, invitations to events, and personal recognition of this valued support.
Have you already made this commitment? Click here to let us know.
How to Transform Pennsylvania—and the Nation—through Your Legacy Giving
Gifts from Your Will or Trust
One of the most common legacy gifts is a gift through a will or living trust.
You can add Commonwealth Foundation to your will or trust by asking your attorney to add this language:
I give, devise, and bequeath (insert amount, percentage or remainder of estate) to the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives, tax identification number 23-2473845, 225 State Street, Suite 302, Harrisburg, PA 17101 for general operations or (donor-designated purpose).
Beneficiary Designations
One of the simplest ways to include the Commonwealth Foundation in your legacy planning is to make us a beneficiary of your 401(k), 403(b), Individual Retirement Account (IRA), life insurance policy, annuity, or other account. You can make the us the sole beneficiary or a partial beneficiary—or you can leave us what is left over after making specific gifts for other heirs.
Gifts from tax-deferred accounts can be especially good candidates for charitable giving because, as a tax-exempt organization, the Commonwealth Foundation can put the full amount of your gift toward our mission to transform free-market ideas into public policies so all Pennsylvanians can flourish.
You can make this quick and easy type of gift by contacting your financial advisor and completing a simple form, or through their website.
Don’t want to wait to give from your IRA? Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are a tax-efficient way for individuals who are at least 70½ years old to donate money from their individual retirement accounts (IRAs) directly to eligible charities. This giving strategy can be especially useful for those who are expected to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) because it allows them to avoiding income tax on the donated amount. In short, QCDs offer a win-win solution by supporting charitable causes while reducing taxable income for eligible seniors.
While these kinds of gifts are not eligible for Don Kirkland Society membership, they are an easy and important way to support the Commonwealth Foundation while minimizing your tax obligations. For more information about current IRA gifts, contact Michelle Knight at [email protected].
Gifts that Generate Income for You and Your Family
In exchange for your immediate and irrevocable gift, you (or those whom you designate) receive a lifetime income stream through a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) or a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). You can also receive an immediate income tax deduction and avoid capital gains taxes.
What Do Kirkland Society Members Say About Their Gifts?
“[My father] wanted to put his money where his mouth is. He was never bellicose about his views, but he cared about this country and where it was going.” – Don Kirkland, Jr.
Click here to learn more about the legacy of Don Kirkland, Sr.
“My wife and I plan to leave part of our estate to the Commonwealth Foundation because of its hopeful policy initiatives on behalf of freedom, free markets, prosperity, opportunity, and fairness. I believe this is the legacy that we must leave for future generations.” – Dave Majernik
“I have invested years of time and treasure assisting Commonwealth to implement free-market policies in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth affiliates have scored significant victories in this fight. My sons are being well provided for in my estate. The question is, ‘What do I do with the remaining assets?’ My choice is to further the important causes I’ve championed during my lifetime. I know that Commonwealth’s portion of these assets will be invested wisely to implement free-market policies in Pennsylvania.” – David Hogg
“I support Commonwealth Foundation because of the things that they are trying to do with the state Legislature, including educational choice, reducing the burden of unnecessary regulation, and holding the line on taxes and spending. My advice to other supporters? Don’t wait. You can only make these changes when you are still around.” – Andrew Terhune
Click here to learn Andrew evaluated his philanthropy and took the simple steps to ensure he leaves behind a legacy of freedom.
Do You Want to Make a Free and Flourishing Pennsylvania Part of Your Legacy?
If you’ve already made provisions for the Commonwealth Foundation, please let us know! We would be pleased to welcome you to the Don Kirkland Society and begin providing you with the benefits of membership.
Simply complete the membership form online, or contact one of our team at [email protected] to join. You can also view a print-friendly form here.
If you would like to learn more, our team is ready to talk with you and your financial planner about ways to maximize the impact of your giving for future generations.
For more information about making Commonwealth Foundation part of your legacy, please contact:
Michelle Knight
Director of Donor Stewardship
717-671-1901
[email protected]