Planned Giving
Secure Your Legacy
Generational Impact
By including the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in your estate plans, you can play a vital role in strengthening American security and America’s ability to defend against threats to global stability. A planned gift ensures that ISW will continue to provide independent research, trusted analysis, and leadership education for generations to come—equipping decision-makers and the public with the knowledge needed to navigate complex conflicts and emerging threats that impact the United States and its allies worldwide.
Without a planned estate, your assets could be distributed by court administrators according to state law, potentially leaving out charitable causes important to you.
Why Choose Planned Giving?
A planned gift to ISW allows you to:
- Leave a lasting legacy that ensures American and allied national security remains strong.
- Ensure your wishes are honored—every dollar will be spent in line with your vision.
- Protect your loved ones and reduce estate taxes, while giving back to a cause you value.
- Support ISW’s mission to provide real-time, objective military analysis and develop future national security leaders.
How Your Gift Helps
Your planned gift will provide ISW with the resources needed to:
- Support warfighters and national security leaders through real-time, unbiased analysis.
- Shape the national security debate by delivering trusted insights to policymakers and the public.
- Revolutionize intelligence and strategy to meet evolving global challenges.
- Develop the next generation of national security leaders through innovative educational programs.
Join The
ISW Legacy Society
Becoming a member of the ISW Legacy Society signifies a lasting commitment to strengthening national security for future generations. Membership also includes:
- Exclusive invitations to ISW virtual briefings.
- An invitation to the exclusive ISW events.
- Recognition on our ISW website (if you choose).
- A commemorative ISW Legacy Society crystal paperweight.
- The satisfaction of knowing your gift will secure America’s national security.
Have you already included ISW in your estate plan?
We would like to thank you and welcome you into the Legacy Society. By letting us know, we can ensure that we fulfill your gift exactly as you intended.
Once completed, please email a copy to [email protected]
Ways to Give
Include ISW in Your Will
By naming the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in your will or trust, you can make a lasting contribution to national security while potentially reducing estate taxes.Here is simple sample language you can include:
Fixed Amount Bequest
“I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) (Tax ID #26-0273675) of Washington, DC the sum of $____________.”
Residuary Bequest
“I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) (Tax ID #26-0273675) of Washington, DC all (or state a percentage) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its general support or for a specific program.”
Give through Life Insurance & Retirement Plans
A life insurance policy or retirement plan (such as a 401(k), 403(b), or IRA) can provide a significant gift to ISW while offering tax advantages.
Benefits of Naming ISW as a Beneficiary
- Retain Control – Your policy or plan remains under your control during your lifetime.
- Tax Advantages – Assets transferred to ISW are not subject to income or estate taxes.
- Flexibility – You can name ISW as a primary, contingent, or residual beneficiary.
How to Name ISW as a Beneficiary
- Contact your insurance agent, employer, or the financial institution managing your retirement plan.
- Request the necessary beneficiary designation forms.
- Specify ISW (Tax ID #26-0273675) as the beneficiary for all or part of the policy or plan.
Make a Gift While Receiving Income
A charitable gift plan allows you to support ISW while securing a reliable income stream for yourself or a loved one.
Options for Income-Generating Gift Plans
Gift plans that allow you to receive payments while making a lasting charitable impact include:
- Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) – Provides you or a designated beneficiary with income for life or a term of years, with the remainder supporting ISW.
- Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) – Directs income payments to ISW for a set period, with remaining assets passed to your heirs—potentially reducing estate taxes.
Key Benefits of Income-Generating Gift Plans
- Lifetime Income – Secure fixed or variable payments for yourself or loved ones.
- Tax Savings – Potential capital gains tax benefits and a charitable deduction.
- A Lasting Legacy – Support ISW’s mission to safeguard national security while ensuring financial stability for your family.
- Peace of Mind – Take control of your financial future in ways that reflect your values and long-term goals.
GivE through Donor-Advised Funds
A donor-advised fund (DAF) works like a charitable investment account, designed exclusively to support the causes you care about. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a DAF held by a sponsoring public charity, you may be eligible for an immediate tax deduction. The funds can then be invested for tax-free growth, allowing you to recommend grants to any IRS-qualified charity, such as the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Donor-advised funds are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the U.S. because they offer simplicity, flexibility, and significant tax advantages. They are ideal for donors seeking to maximize the impact of their contributions while making giving easier to manage.
When you contribute through a DAF, the public charity sponsoring your DAF conducts due diligence to ensure that grants go to IRS-qualified charities. You can focus on giving confidently, knowing your contributions will be used for charitable purposes.
Key Benefits of Donor-Advised Funds
- Immediate Tax Deduction: Receive an immediate tax benefit when you contribute assets to your DAF.
- Tax-Free Growth: Contributions can be invested, allowing the fund to grow tax-free over time.
- Simplified Recordkeeping: Track all your charitable donations through a single tax receipt.
- Legacy Planning: Use your DAF to support long-term philanthropic goals, including legacy gifts to ISW.
- Advisor Collaboration: Work with your financial advisor to optimize giving strategies.
- Family or Personal Recognition: Name your donor-advised fund in honor of your family, business, or another meaningful entity.
How to Give Through Your DAF
- Contact your DAF sponsor (e.g., Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, or Vanguard Charitable).
- Recommend a grant to The Institute for the Study of War (Tax ID #26-0273675).
- Specify if your gift is for general support or a specific program.
Donate Securities (Stocks, Bonds, & Mutual Funds)
Donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds is a smart and impactful way to support the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) while potentially maximizing your tax benefits.
Benefits of Donating Securities
- Avoid Capital Gains Taxes – Bypass taxes on appreciated assets.
- Receive a Charitable Deduction – Deduct the full fair market value of the donated securities.
- Increase Your Impact – Make a larger gift at the same cost to you.
If you own appreciated securities, donating them to ISW is often more tax-efficient than selling them first and donating the proceeds. This can allow you to make a bigger impact in protecting America’s national security while optimizing your giving strategy.
How to Donate Securities to ISW
ISW accepts gifts of stock and other securities through:
- Electronic transfer: Through our broker, making it simple and secure.
- Direct mail: For physical stock certificates.
Contact Us
Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence, with no obligation, to help you get started and answer your questions. Contact us at [email protected].
Email USgive today
secure tomorrow
Consider making an additional, immediate donation today to provide vital support for our mission right now. Your gift today ensures that ISW can continue delivering timely, independent analysis and leadership education, while your planned gift secures our long-term impact for future generations.
