Wills and Gifts Program

Wills and Gifts Explained

One of the most satisfying things that we can do as Masons is to leave a legacy for someone or something we care deeply about. Over the years many Brethren and friends have included a charitable provision in their wills or made a direct cash donation to our Masonic Home of Florida. The results of those gifts have allowed us to influence the lives of many of our fellow Brethren and Widows in their final years. The Wills and Gifts Committee is charged with ensuring a sound financial future for our Masonic Home by educating both Masons and non-masons alike in the various estate planning vehicles available. There are several categories of gift giving available to anyone who wishes to make a donation to our Masonic Home. In order to assist in making decisions regarding planned giving, Grand Lodge has developed a brochure entitled “A Guide to Wills & Trusts in Florida.” The District Committee Chairmen should obtain an ample supply to disseminate among their individual Lodges. The Grand Lodge of Florida has a list of attorneys, within the Fraternity, who are willing to assist Masons and non-Masons in making charitable bequests to the Masonic Home.

Types of Gifts

Bequest Gifts: For many of us a charitable bequest is the easiest and best way to make a gift to our Masonic Home. By means of your will or other estate plan, you can name the Masonic Home as the beneficiary of a portion of your estate or of particular assets in your estate. Giving by bequest costs nothing now, yet it may give you a great deal of satisfaction to know that your future gift will live on. Charitable Gift Annuities: These gift annuities will provide you (and/or someone you designate) with income for the rest of your life, avoid capital gains tax, and leaves a lasting gift to our Masonic Home. A portion of this income stream may be tax-free and you will receive a charitable deduction for the value of your future gift to the Masonic Home. Our Grand Lodge has created a brochure entitled “The Charitable Gift Annuity Program” that will help educate potential donors about the advantages of utilizing this gifting strategy. We have also gathered a list of Brothers that are willing to speak to potential donors on an individual or group basis to provide further information regarding this program. Outright Gifts: These gifts include one-time or ongoing donations of cash or other assets that you wish to donate to the Masonic Home. Typically these gifts have favorable tax advantages associated with them which may be received right away.