Why Create a Legacy Gift

Many supporters choose to create a legacy gift as a way to care for the future while continuing to support causes they value today. These gifts help ensure Cancer Services remains responsive, accessible, and grounded in its mission for years to come.

A legacy gift is not about the size of an estate. It is about intention and the desire to make a lasting difference.

Legacy gifts reflect care, values, and a commitment to community that extends well beyond a lifetime.

Ways to Create a Legacy of Hope

There are many ways to include Cancer Services in your future plans, including:

  • A bequest through a will or trust
  • Naming Cancer Services as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or donor-advised fund

  • Qualified Charitable Distributions from an IRA, with the guidance of an advisor

  • Other planned gifts made in consultation with your legal or financial advisor

Many legacy gifts cost nothing today and can be updated as circumstances change.

Recognition and Gratitude

Individuals and families who share that they have included Cancer Services in their future plans are honored as members of Legacies of Hope.

Members are recognized on our Legacies of Hope wall, with respect for privacy. Recognition is always optional and guided by personal preference.

Creating a Legacy Through a Bequest

Including a bequest in your will is a meaningful way to express your care for people in our community and help ensure support remains available in the years ahead. A bequest can be simple to arrange and flexible over time.

Suggested Language for a General, Unrestricted Bequest

“I give, devise, and bequeath to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, or its successor, [PERCENTAGE OF RESIDUE, SUM OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY], which shall be used for such purposes as the board of directors may determine.”

We encourage you to discuss your wishes with your attorney or financial advisor to ensure this option aligns with your personal and financial goals.

Sharing your intentions

If you choose to include Cancer Services in your estate plans, we invite you to let us know. Sharing your intention allows us to express our gratitude and, if you wish, recognize you as a member of Legacies of Hope.

There is no obligation to share details, and recognition is always guided by your preferences.

If you would like to notify us or have questions, please contact Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana at:

Jessica Misserbiev
Director of Donor Impact
Direct Line: (260) 255-3750

There are many ways for your generosity to support our shared mission of helping local people facing cancer.

Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana
EIN: 35-0965609

Frequently Asked Questions about Legacies of Hope

Legacies of Hope honors individuals and families who choose to include Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana in their will or estate plans. These thoughtful decisions help ensure compassionate support and practical assistance remain available for future generations of local people facing cancer.

Many people choose legacy giving as a way to reflect their values and care for the future while continuing to support causes they believe in today. Legacy gifts help provide long-term stability and ensure services remain accessible for years to come.

A legacy gift is not about the size of an estate. It is about intention.

There are many ways to create a legacy of hope, including:

  • Bequests through a will or trust
  • Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, or donor-advised funds
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions from an IRA, with guidance from an advisor
  • Other planned gifts made in consultation with a financial or legal professional

Many legacy gifts cost nothing today and may be updated as circumstances change.

A bequest may be included through simple language in a will or trust. Cancer Services provides suggested bequest language, and donors are encouraged to discuss their wishes with an attorney or financial advisor to ensure the arrangement aligns with their personal and financial goals.

Individuals and families who share that they have included Cancer Services in their future plans are honored as members of Legacies of Hope. Members may be recognized on the Legacies of Hope wall, with respect for privacy. Recognition is always optional.

No. There is no obligation to share specific details. Letting Cancer Services know of your intention allows us to express our gratitude and, if you wish, recognize you as part of Legacies of Hope.

Champions of Hope focuses on annual giving that helps sustain Cancer Services today. Legacies of Hope reflects future support that helps ensure care remains available for generations.

Some individuals choose to participate in one, both, or neither. Each form of support is valued, and there is no expectation or requirement to do both.

No. Legacy giving is open to anyone who wishes to include Cancer Services in their future plans. Many legacy donors are also annual supporters, but participation in one does not require participation in the other.

No. There is no minimum amount. Every legacy gift, regardless of size, plays a meaningful role in sustaining the mission.

Not at all. Many people begin by learning more or having a simple conversation. There is no timeline or obligation. We are always glad to answer questions whenever the time feels right.

If you would like to learn more about Champions of Hope or Legacies of Hope, or explore what feels right for you, please contact:

Jessica Misserbiev
Director of Donor Impact
Direct Line: (260) 255-3750