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The Importance of Legacy Giving: Outright’s Outstanding Legacy Circle and the Power of Make-A-Will Month
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“They say one of the marks of an optimist is that you plant a seed when you know you’re never going to get to see the full tree.” –Jeff Natter, Outright International board member and legacy donor.
Estate planning is often a subject that people tend to push aside, considering it as something to deal with later in life. However, Make-A-Will Month in August is a vital reminder that estate planning is not just about managing assets—it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, particularly for causes they are passionate about.
For members of Outright International’s Outstanding Legacy Circle, the act of making a will is a powerful tool to ensure the continuation of their commitment to global LGBTIQ human rights long after they are gone.
What is Outright’s Outstanding Legacy Circle?
Outright International’s Outstanding Legacy Circle is a distinguished group of supporters who have made the decision to include Outright in their wills. This circle of donors consists of individuals and families who believe deeply in the fight for global LGBTIQ rights and equality. By designating Outright as a beneficiary of their will, retirement plan, life insurance, trusts, or other estate planning mechanisms, they ensure that their support for LGBTIQ rights will endure.
These donors come from various backgrounds and geographies but are united by their passion for human rights and their commitment to ensuring that Outright’s work continues to thrive in the future. The Outstanding Legacy Circle isn’t just about financial contributions; it’s about the enduring belief in a world where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics, can live with dignity and equality.
The Importance of Make-A-Will Month
Make-A-Will Month is an important time to reflect on the impact you want to leave behind. It is a chance to think about how you can support causes like Outright International, which works tirelessly to protect and advance LGBTIQ rights around the world. As Outright’s Director of Leadership Giving Katie Hultquist, “Why Estate Planning Matters for LGBTIQ Donors and Causes” wrote in Inside Philanthropy, “Legacy giving offers a way to make a significant, long-lasting impact, potentially far greater than what many individuals could contribute during their lifetime.” This is especially true for LGBTIQ rights organizations, which often operate in underfunded and challenging environments.
The need for sustained support is critical, and legacy gifts provide a way for donors to ensure their contributions continue to make an impact in the years to come.
The Power of Legacy Giving for LGBTIQ Rights
Unfortunately, the LGBTIQ movement is severely underfunded around the world, as Katie Hultquist emphasizes: “The truth is the global LGBTIQ movement is incredibly under-resourced. We know that even here in the US, only about a tenth of 1% of philanthropic dollars goes to LGBTIQ causes right now.” Further, less than a third of all funding for LGBTIQ issues supports programs in the Global South and East, where 90% of the world’s population lives. This lack of resources is compounded by the increasing backlash against LGBTIQ rights worldwide.
However, the impact of legacy giving can be transformative. Hultquist points out that by joining the Outstanding Legacy Circle, donors can help “radically accelerate human rights and equality for our community all over the world.” Legacy gifts enable Outright to continue its vital work—advocating for law and policy changes, supporting grassroots movements, and advancing the inclusion of LGBTIQ people in all sectors, including peace and security, humanitarian response, economic development, and democracy.
Personal Stories: Why Legacy Giving Matters
The importance of legacy giving is perhaps best illustrated through the stories of those who have already made this commitment. Jeff Natter, a member of Outright’s Board of Directors, reflects on his decision to join the Outstanding Legacy Circle: “For my husband and myself, making sure that some of whatever we accrue in this lifetime goes to the Outstanding Legacy Circle is a way of assuring that when we say goodbye, there’s still some of us that are going to be associated with Outright.”
Natter’s commitment stems from his belief in the global LGBTIQ movement and the necessity of Outright’s work. He understands that while he may not see the full impact of his contributions in his lifetime, his legacy will continue to support the fight for equality long into the future. This sentiment is echoed by many who see legacy giving as planting a seed for future generations to nurture and grow.
Kathy Teo, Co-Chair of Outright’s Board, also highlights the importance of supporting global LGBTIQ rights through legacy giving. “What I love about Outright is the fact that our work is international in nature. Advances that are made in different parts of the world can be a catalyst for positive change in other parts of the world,” she says. By joining the Outstanding Legacy Circle, Teo is confident that her contributions will help sustain Outright’s work globally, particularly in underfunded regions like Asia.
Why Legacy Giving Matters for Non-Profits
For non-profits like Outright International, legacy giving is not just about securing future funding; it’s about ensuring that the organization’s mission continues to thrive long after current leaders and donors are gone. Legacy gifts allow non-profits to plan for the long term, providing organizations with the stability and resources needed to tackle challenges for years to come.
As Elliott Vaughn, a member of Outright’s Board of Directors, notes, “Outright is working for better lives for LGBTIQ people everywhere, and if you care about LGBTIQ people, it is the organization to support.” Vaughn’s decision to join the Outstanding Legacy Circle was driven by his desire to ensure that Outright’s work continues to impact future generations.
How to Join Outright’s Outstanding Legacy Circle
Joining the Outstanding Legacy Circle is a straightforward process that can have a lasting impact. For those interested in learning more about legacy giving and how to designate the organization as a beneficiary in their will, retirement plan, life insurance policy, or trust., Outright offers a Donor Concierge Team that can provide guidance and answer any questions. Whether it’s through a conversation about estate planning options or assistance in drafting a will, our staff is ready to help supporters make informed decisions about their legacy.
For more information on how to join the Outstanding Legacy Circle, please contact Outright International’s Donor Concierge Team at +1 (212) 430-6057 or email us with the Subject line “OLC.” Your legacy can help ensure a future where LGBTIQ rights are protected and equality is achieved for all.
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