August is national Make-A-Will month, which means that now is a great time to review your estate planning documents with your advisors. As you review your bequests to family members and other loved ones, consider whether it makes sense to leave a bequest to the Paso del Norte Community Foundation (PdNCF), too. Unrestricted bequests help the PdNCF achieve its mission for years to come, enabling our board and staff to grow philanthropy and meet community needs as they emerge. You can also designate your bequest to the PdNCF for the charity or cause of your choice – from scholarship funds to specific philanthropic passions.
 
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you consider leaving a bequest to the community foundation:
 
--The Paso del Norte Community Foundation operates with a unique structure, bringing together funds established by individuals, businesses, and families all under one roof.
 
--PdNCF is a public charity recognized by the IRS, which means contributions are eligible for the most favorable charitable deductions under the tax law.
 
--Every day, our team works with our board of directors, civic leaders, and nonprofit organizations to deeply understand the areas where the people in our community need the most help.
 
--PdNCF is dedicated to growing philanthropy to meet the most critical needs of the people in our region, today and tomorrow.
 
--Through its convening power, community knowledge, and perpetual mission, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation is an unparalleled resource to make our community better for everyone.  
 
--It's easy to include a bequest in your will or trust, or even through a beneficiary designation on your life insurance policy or retirement plan. Here's an example of how to reference the Paso del Norte Community Foundation in a bequest:

I give, devise, and bequeath (dollar amount, property, or proportion of your residuary estate) to the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, EIN 46-1997449, a not-for-profit corporation located in El Paso, Texas 79901, for its general charitable purposes or designated charitable purpose of your choice.

More examples of the different types of bequests and charitable language can be found here.

As always, we are happy to work with you and your advisors to establish your legacy in a way that makes sense for both your financial goals and your philanthropic goals. We'd be honored for you to join us as we invest in the future of our community!