{"id":8813,"date":"2025-10-22T16:17:03","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T23:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coral.org\/?p=8813"},"modified":"2025-10-23T09:29:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T16:29:32","slug":"how-planned-giving-can-advance-coral-conservation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-planned-giving-can-advance-coral-conservation\/","title":{"rendered":"How Planned Giving Can Advance Coral Conservation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When you care deeply about coral reefs and want your impact to endure beyond your lifetime, planned giving provides a powerful and flexible way to leave a legacy. At the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), planned gifts help secure long-term resources for reef protection, resilience, and adaptation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make the process simpler, CORAL has partnered with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/coral.mygiftlegacy.org\/tax-smart-gifts\/?__hstc=116473945.23966eed23c3277fcfdb023ffbed5c7b.1750348350122.1760994195611.1761236741674.40&amp;__hssc=116473945.2.1761236741674&amp;__hsfp=2386845142&amp;hsCtaTracking=430d6439-ea54-4fec-b1b8-5833a8d7e671%7C03d05421-33fa-4295-802e-ce4f64ecc200\">FreeWill<\/a><\/strong>\u2014a free, secure estate planning tool that allows you to create or update your will or living trust online in as little as 20 minutes. Through this partnership, anyone can include a gift to CORAL and help ensure that future generations will inherit thriving coral reefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article walks through what planned giving means, how it works, and how you can make a meaningful, tax-wise gift to support coral conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Planned Giving?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Planned giving (also called legacy giving or estate giving) refers to any charitable gift arranged today that is carried out in the future, often after your lifetime. Unlike annual or one-time donations, planned gifts are structured through wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, or life income plans, and they often allow you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maintain control or use of your assets during your lifetime<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potentially realize tax advantages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make a larger impact than you thought possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide for loved ones and philanthropic causes in a balanced way<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>CORAL offers a variety of planned giving tools and strategies to match donors\u2019 financial and estate planning needs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Give Through a Plan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are key benefits for including CORAL (or any nonprofit) in your long-term giving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Enduring impact<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Legacy gifts help coral protection efforts continue for decades. Planned giving is a way to fuel our mission into the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Flexibility and control<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>You can retain control over your assets now, and you can often change or revoke your gift if circumstances change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tax benefits<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Many legacy gifts offer tax advantages, either by reducing estate taxes or by allowing current deductions depending on the mechanism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Simplicity in giving non-cash assets<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Gifts of appreciated stocks, retirement accounts, or donor-advised funds (DAFs) can allow greater philanthropic impact with favorable tax treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Recognition and stewardship<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>While you may choose to remain anonymous, notifying CORAL of your plans helps the organization express gratitude and ensure your intentions are honored.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Gaby-Salvador-2M3A3735-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8815\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Gaby-Salvador-2M3A3735-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Gaby-Salvador-2M3A3735-796x531.jpg 796w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Gaby-Salvador-2M3A3735-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Gaby-Salvador-2M3A3735-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Gaby-Salvador-2M3A3735-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Gaby-Salvador-2M3A3735.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Steps to Make a Planned Gift to CORAL<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Consult your advisors or use vetted legal tools or forms<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Speak with your attorney, CPA, or financial planner to understand how a legacy gift fits your overall estate plan. More conveniently, CORAL has partnered with FreeWill to provide a free tool for creating or updating wills and trusts. You can ensure legal documents clearly identify CORAL\u2019s correct name, address, and tax ID (EIN) to avoid ambiguity.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Decide on the gift mechanism<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Choose the method (bequest, beneficiary designation, DAF, etc.) that aligns best with your financial goals and philanthropic intentions.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Notify CORAL of your intent (optional but helpful)<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Letting CORAL know your planned gift helps with recognition, ensuring your wishes are understood, and allows them to thank you appropriately.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Review and update periodically<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>As circumstances change, you should revisit your legacy plan to confirm it still aligns with your wishes and estate structure.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Provide sample language to your attorney<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>CORAL and many nonprofits provide sample bequest wording and legal language for inclusion in your will or trust.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sample Bequest Wording (for Your Attorney)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a sample clause you might share with your attorney (this is illustrative; always check with your legal counsel):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cI give, devise, and bequeath <\/em><strong><em>(insert dollar amount or percentage of the residue of my estate)<\/em><\/strong><em> to the Coral Reef Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 94-3211245), located at 548 Market St, Suite 29802, San Francisco, CA 94104, for its general purposes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also specify contingencies, restrictions, or designate the gift as unrestricted to allow flexibility for CORAL\u2019s evolving needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. Do I have to notify CORAL of my planned gift?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> A. You are not required to do so, but notifying us is beneficial. It helps us respect your intentions, offer recognition (if you wish), and plan our finances accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. Can I change my gift later if my circumstances change?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> A. Yes. Most planned gifts are revocable while you\u2019re alive, and beneficiary designations or documents can be amended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. What if my estate seems \u201ctoo small\u201d for a planned gift?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> A. Gifts of any size are valuable. Many people leave a percentage of their estate, which scales with estate value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. Are there costs to creating a will or trust?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> A. Yes, if you use an attorney, there will be fees. However, the FreeWill tool offered in partnership with CORAL lets you create or update a will or revocable living trust online, free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q. Can I remain anonymous?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong> A. Yes, you can keep your gift private. However, for CORAL to properly receive and administer the gift, they may need to know some details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Fabrizio-Ferrari-DSC05926-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8816\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Fabrizio-Ferrari-DSC05926-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Fabrizio-Ferrari-DSC05926-796x448.jpg 796w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Fabrizio-Ferrari-DSC05926-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Fabrizio-Ferrari-DSC05926-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Fabrizio-Ferrari-DSC05926-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Fabrizio-Ferrari-DSC05926-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Investing in Tomorrow\u2019s Reefs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Planned giving is more than just a financial tool. It\u2019s a deeply personal expression of your commitment to marine conservation and the future of our planet. By weaving coral stewardship into your estate planning, you help ensure that the coral reefs you\u2019ve championed in life will continue to flourish in the years and centuries to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-430d6439-ea54-4fec-b1b8-5833a8d7e671\"><span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-430d6439-ea54-4fec-b1b8-5833a8d7e671\" id=\"hs-cta-430d6439-ea54-4fec-b1b8-5833a8d7e671\"><!--[if lte IE 8]><div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div><![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/39879831\/430d6439-ea54-4fec-b1b8-5833a8d7e671\" ><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-430d6439-ea54-4fec-b1b8-5833a8d7e671\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/39879831\/430d6439-ea54-4fec-b1b8-5833a8d7e671.png\"  alt=\"https:\/\/coral.mygiftlegacy.org\/tax-smart-gifts\/\"\/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(39879831, '430d6439-ea54-4fec-b1b8-5833a8d7e671', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code -->\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you care deeply about coral reefs and want your impact to endure beyond your lifetime, planned giving provides a powerful and flexible way to leave a legacy. At the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), planned gifts help secure long-term resources for reef protection, resilience, and adaptation. To make the process simpler, CORAL has partnered with&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-planned-giving-can-advance-coral-conservation\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue Reading &#8594;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":8814,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_genesis_transparent_header":false,"_genesis_hide_siblings_nav":false,"_genesis_hide_flyout":false,"_genesis_subtitle":"","_genesis_subheading":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[294],"tags":[469,454,424,468,470,466,458,471,467,472],"class_list":{"0":"post-8813","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-what-you-can-do","8":"tag-charitable-bequest","9":"tag-coral-conservation","10":"tag-coral-reef-alliance","11":"tag-coral-reef-protection","12":"tag-estate-planning","13":"tag-legacy-giving","14":"tag-marine-conservation","15":"tag-nonprofit-donations","16":"tag-planned-giving","17":"tag-sustainable-giving","18":"entry"},"acf":[],"template_part":"\n<article class=\"article article-post post-8813 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-what-you-can-do tag-charitable-bequest tag-coral-conservation tag-coral-reef-alliance tag-coral-reef-protection tag-estate-planning tag-legacy-giving tag-marine-conservation tag-nonprofit-donations tag-planned-giving tag-sustainable-giving entry\">\n\t<div class=\"entry-image\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-planned-giving-can-advance-coral-conservation\/\">\n\t\t\t<img width=\"740\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Jacob-Guy-28-12-2023-18-740x560.jpg\" class=\"attachment-preview size-preview wp-post-image\" alt=\"Photo by Jacob Guy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"entry-meta\">\n\t\t<ul class=\"post-categories\">\n\t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/category\/what-you-can-do\/\" rel=\"category tag\">What you can do<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"entry-body\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-planned-giving-can-advance-coral-conservation\/\" class=\"entry-title-link\">How Planned Giving Can Advance Coral Conservation<\/a><\/h2>\t\t<p>When you care deeply about coral reefs and want your impact to endure beyond your lifetime, planned giving provides a powerful and flexible way to leave a legacy. At the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), planned gifts help secure long-term resources for reef protection, resilience, and adaptation. To make the process simpler, CORAL has partnered with&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-planned-giving-can-advance-coral-conservation\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue Reading &#8594;<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Jacob-Guy-28-12-2023-18-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Jacob-Guy-28-12-2023-18-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Kate Beebe","author_link":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/author\/kate\/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Kogia-Jacob-Guy-28-12-2023-18.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8813"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8813\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}