Leave a Gift in Your Will or Living Trust

Make your compassion part of your legacy.

Leaving a gift in your will or other estate plans is an impactful way to help Meals on Wheels America create an America where all seniors live nourished lives with independence and dignity. Whether you’re creating your first will or updating an existing estate plan, your gift can make a lasting difference — all while allowing you to maintain control of your assets during your lifetime.

Your Endless Impact for Seniors

Why Choose to Gift in Your Will?

Making a legacy gift to Meals on Wheels America can allow you to help more older Americans than you ever thought possible. With this meaningful giving option, you can provide seniors nourishment, independence and moments of connection for decades to come — and you could benefit from your caring generosity, too.

  • Flexible – You can update or change your plans at any time if your circumstances change.
  • No Immediate Cost – Most legacy gifts allow you to support seniors without affecting your finances today.
  • Potential Tax Advantages – Certain gifts may receive added tax savings or provide other financial benefits for you or your loved ones.
  • Lasting Impact – Your generosity can help older adults live nourished lives with independence and dignity for generations to come.

You've Got Options

There are many ways to make a gift to Meals on Wheels America in your will or trust. Whether you want to leave a specific gift, designate a percentage of your estate or make a gift from what remains after providing for your loved ones, your attorney can help you choose the option that best reflects your wishes and goals.

Specific Gift

Navy-blue hands holding green circle with star.

Setting aside a specific amount or asset.

A specific gift allows you to leave a designated dollar amount or particular asset, such as real estate, securities or personal property, to Meals on Wheels America. This option provides a clear and direct way to make a lasting impact while ensuring your intentions are clearly documented.

Percentage Gift

Giving a percentage of your overall estate.

Rather than choosing a fixed amount, you can leave a percentage of your estate to Meals on Wheels America. Because the gift adjusts with the value of your estate over time, this option can provide flexibility while still allowing you to support both your loved ones and your charitable goals.

Residual Gift

Give a portion of what remains after distribution.

After your debts, expenses and gifts to family and friends have been distributed, you can designate all or a portion of the remaining balance of your estate to Meals on Wheels America. Many supporters appreciate this option because it allows them to provide for loved ones first while also creating a meaningful legacy for future generations.

It’s as Simple as One Sentence

To include a gift to Meals on Wheels America in your will or living trust, simply share this recommended language with your attorney:

“I give, devise and bequeath to Meals on Wheels America, 1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 1004, Arlington, VA 22202, federal tax identification number 23-7447812, ___% of my estate (or $___, or other property).”

Already Included Meals on Wheels America in Your Plans?

Letting us know about your future gift helps ensure we can honor your wishes and welcome you into our Legacy Circle community. Because change-of-beneficiary forms often do not allow you to provide details about your wishes for your gift and whether you are making it in memory or honor of someone special, sharing your plans is the best way to ensure we understand your preferences.

Notify Us of Your Legacy Gift

More Ways to Help
End the Wait® for Seniors in Need

View more Legacy Giving options. When you support Meals on Wheels America, you are helping to ensure that every senior who needs nutritious meals and social connection is able to receive them.

Beneficiary Designation Gift
Beneficiary Designation Gift

Name Meals on Wheels America as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance policy, donor-advised fund or other financial account—often with a simple form and no changes to your will.

Learn More About Beneficiary Designation

Tax-Wise Giving
Tax-Wise Giving

Explore charitable giving strategies that may help you maximize your impact while providing potential tax benefits for you or your loved ones, depending on your financial situation.

Explore Tax-Wise Giving

Legacy Circle
Legacy Circle

Discover how Meals on Wheels America recognizes and celebrates supporters who have included a legacy gift in their plans, and learn about the lasting community you're helping build.

Learn More About the Legacy Circle

Explore All Ways to Give

Have Additional Questions?
We're Here to Help.

Every Penny Counts. Even 1% of your estate can make a meaningful difference for older Americans. Contact us today at 703-548-5558 or legacy@mealsonwheelsamerica.org with any questions or to learn more.

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