As I get older, I think about my legacy. That is, what impact will I have for being here? It would be nice to feel that I made a bit of difference for my family, friends and community. And one of the easiest ways to do this is to make a gift to NNV in your will. It costs nothing at this time and allows you to say thanks for NNV services, to ensure that those services are available for others in the future, and to set an example for those who remember you.

A legacy gift is a planned bequest that supports a charitable organization after your death. As part of your overall financial and estate planning, a legacy gift provides an opportunity to support an organization that is meaningful to you, and at the same time to preserve and enjoy assets you might need during your lifetime. If at some future date you change your mind you can always revoke the gift. You can join the Northwest Neighbors Village Legacy Society and continue to make individual contributions to NNV.

A legacy gift can be for any amount and could even be material goods, property, or stock. Some people elect to give a percentage of their estate rather than a fixed amount. One of the easiest ways to provide a gift is to add a bequest to your will or name a beneficiary of some or all of your IRA, brokerage account, or insurance policy. Financial advisors are familiar with what method would be best for you and how you might save money on taxes. NNV can provide names of lawyers and advisors who have experience in this area. NNV makes it easy for you to let us know and how you may want to be recognized, click here to view the form, such as invitations to a special event or being listed on the NNV website.

Creating an endowment that assures the continuation of NNV services is felt immediately as NNV makes its plans for each year's programing. Knowing that the organization is secure allows us to identify new approaches and activities to address new challenges. For example, NNV is continually making efforts to expand services to more of our older neighbors. Knowing the organization has financial security allows us to make commitments because we know we can fulfill them. One day we would love to have a gathering place for our members and events. Long term goals such as this can be a reality with your help. And please do not forget the message that this sends to future generations about how you care about your community and hope that they will as well.

If you are interested in joining NNV's Legacy Society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that your neighborhood Village will continue to foster a strong and vibrant community that enables older adults to thrive, please visit our website to learn more about making a legacy gift. If you do include a gift for NNV, we hope you will download this form and let us know.

Need help getting started? NNV members can contact the office at info@nnvdc.org or 202-935-6060.

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This is part of an occasional series of Weekly Update articles by NNV Board Members on topics of interest. Steve Altman re-joined the NNV board in 2025 after being "term limited" out for a time during which he served as our informal legal counsel. Steve retired from the Department of Justice in 2003 and from his mediation practice in 2024. Click here to read more about Steve and all of our other Board Members.