Help ensure the continuation of “safety net” programs for those most in need in San Luis Obispo County by joining a group of forward-thinking philanthropists. Many of us support the work of Community Action throughout our lifetimes but of those who have wills, only about eight percent choose to continue this charitable support through bequests. Become a member of this forward-thinking percentage and make a bequest to Community Action Partnership as part of your estate planning and continue to help us serve those most in need in our county.

Making legacy gifts is easy! In most cases, all it takes is a simple paragraph in your will. Or, there are other giving techniques that not only support Community Action Partnership, but can provide substantial tax and other benefits for you and your family today and for your heirs in the future.

Get started now by thinking about your legacy. Did a particular Community Action Partnership program help you or someone you love? Do you volunteer for us and believe in our mission? Do you want your legacy to fund a specific cause like Senior Adult Day Care or a new building for homeless services? And, do you want your gift to honor or memorialize someone dear to you? Talk with a professional today about leaving a gift. Your financial planner, attorney, accountant or insurance agent can help. These professionals can also tell you about the maximum tax and legal advantages of planned gifts.

How to Give

Below, we have listed some of the more common kinds of bequests, and some bequest language. We always recommend that you carefully review the terms of your will with a professional trained in handling trusts and estates.

General Bequests are legacies left to certain people or causes that come from the general value of the estate, and are made by designating a specific dollar amount, a particular asset or a fixed percentage of your estate to the cause of your choice.
General bequest language: "I give, devise, and bequeath to Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, the sum of $________(or a description of the specific asset), for the benefit of Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County and its general purposes."

Specific Bequests are made when a particular item or property is bequeathed for a designated purpose. (i.e., dollar funds to be used in the operation of a particular program.)
Specific bequest language: "I give, devise, and bequeath to Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, the sum of $_______ (or a description of a specific asset), for the benefit of Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County to be used for the following purpose: (state the purpose). If at any time in the judgment of the trustees of Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County it is impossible or impracticable to carry out exactly the designated purpose, they shall determine an alternative purpose closest to the designated purpose."

Residuary Bequests are made when you intend to leave the residue portion of your assets after other terms of the will have been satisfied.
Residuary bequest language: "All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, I give to Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, for its general purposes."

Contingency Bequests allow you to leave a portion of your estate to Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County if your named beneficiary does not survive you.
Contingency bequest language: "I devise and bequeath the residue of the property, real and personal and wherever situated, owned by me at my death, to (name of beneficiary), if (she/he) survives me. If (name of beneficiary) does not survive me, I devise and bequeath my residuary estate to Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, for its general purposes."