Planned Giving & Legacy Gifts

Create a Legacy of Nourishment, Independence, and Compassion

Leaving a planned gift to Meals on Wheels West is a meaningful way to ensure that vulnerable older adults and other homebound neighbors continue receiving the nutritious meals, Wellness Checks, and human connection they need to thrive. By including Meals on Wheels West in your will, trust, or estate plans, you create a legacy of care that endures well beyond your lifetime.

Why Consider a Planned Gift?

A planned gift (also known as a legacy gift or charitable bequest) is one of the most powerful ways to sustain the mission. It allows you to support the causes you care about while also offering potential financial and tax benefits for you and your loved ones.

Your legacy gift can:

✔ Ensure long-term impact by supporting the ongoing delivery of meals and essential services for years to come.

✔ Align with your financial goals, potentially reducing taxes for your estate or beneficiaries.

✔ Reflect your values and create lasting changes in our community.

✔ Provide flexibility, allowing you to choose the type of gift and the timing that works best for your personal plans.

Ways to Leave a Legacy

Bequests

Including Meals on Wheels West in your will or living trust is one of the simplest and most popular ways to make a planned gift. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other obligations are met. Adding Meals on Wheels West to your will can be done in as little as one sentence. Sample bequest language: “I give to Meals on Wheels West, Inc., a nonprofit corporation organized and existing under the laws of California, with the current address of [insert address], the sum of $____ (or ___% of my estate, or the rest and remainder of my estate) for its general charitable purposes.”

Beneficiary Designations

You can name Meals on Wheels West as a beneficiary of your retirement accounts (such as an IRA or 401k), life insurance policies, bank or brokerage accounts, or donor-advised fund (DAF). This option is easy to set up — often requiring just a simple form from your plan administrator, no will revisions needed.

Charitable Gift Annuities & Trusts

For those seeking income during their lifetime, charitable gift annuities or charitable trusts can provide financial benefits to you or your loved ones while ensuring future support for Meals on Wheels West.

Gifts of Stock or Securities

Donating appreciated securities may offer significant tax advantages and can make a meaningful impact in sustaining our programs.

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Legacy Gifts

If you have a donor-advised fund, you can recommend Meals on Wheels West as a beneficiary to extend your philanthropy beyond your lifetime.

Your Legacy, Their Future

Every planned gift — no matter the size — strengthens our ability to provide nourishment, independence, and connection to thousands of homebound neighbors. Your thoughtful planning today helps ensure no one is left hungry or isolated tomorrow.

Information for Your Attorney or Advisor

To include Meals on Wheels West in your estate plans, please use the following information:

Legal Name: Meals on Wheels West, Inc.

Address: 1823-A Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Tax ID (EIN): 95-4613280

Nonprofit Status: 501(c)(3) charitable organization

Let Your Legacy Be One of Care and Community

By including Meals on Wheels West in your plans, you help guarantee that thousands of vulnerable individuals continue receiving nourishment, support, and connection — now and long into the future.

Notify Us Of Your Gift

Planned Giving FAQ

What is planned giving?
Planned giving refers to charitable gifts made through your will, trust, retirement plan, or other long-term financial arrangements.

Do I need an attorney to make a planned gift?
Not always. Beneficiary designations often require only completing a simple form.

Are planned gifts tax deductible?
Yes – many planned gifts provide tax advantages. Please consult your financial advisor for details.

Can I direct my gift to a specific program?
In most cases, yes. Unrestricted gifts provide the greatest impact, but restricted options can be discussed with our team.