WHY DO SO MANY SUPPORTERS CHOOSE TO MAKE A PLANNED GIFT?

Because it’s a powerful way to leave a legacy — without costing anything today.

Planned gifts, like including BBBS in your will or trust, allow you to create lasting impact for local youth and families for generations to come. It’s a simple, meaningful way to help ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
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There are also other unique ways to give — scroll down to explore your options!

BBBS ENDOWMENT

An endowment gift to the BBBS of Southeast Michigan today provides a brighter picture for our future. When you make a donation to our endowment, you give a gift with both immediate and long-term benefits.

Endowment donations are invested. A portion of the annual income from the investment is used to address immediate needs of our organization. The remaining funds are reinvested to ensure indefinite support.
For more information on how to make a contribution to our endowment reach out to our Development Director 

Anne Marie Veneroni
[email protected]
734-236-9715

WILL & TRUST

Whether you’re 18 or 108, having a will gives you peace of mind and ensures your wishes are honored. Wills help you direct your assets, name guardians for minor children, and make a plan for what matters most — including your legacy.
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Many supporters choose to leave a gift in their will or trust to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan, helping to fuel life-changing mentoring relationships for years to come

Why Leave a Gift in Your Will?

  • You retain full use of your assets during your lifetime
  • Your gift may reduce the tax burden on your estate
  • You create a legacy that empowers future generations through mentorship
A gift in your will is a simple, powerful way to make a lasting impact — without affecting your finances today.

​Common gifted assets in wills and trusts

Financial accounts         Real estate         Vehicles         Brokerage accounts         Crypto and NFTs         Personal property

BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS

Some of your most impactful gifts may come from assets outside of your will — called non-probate assets. These include things like retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and joint bank accounts.
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By naming Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan as a beneficiary, you can create lasting impact for local youth while potentially reducing tax burdens for your loved ones.

​Why Consider a Beneficiary Gift?

  • Your gift may qualify for an estate tax charitable deduction
  • It can help reduce the tax burden on your heirs
  • You retain full control and access to your assets during your lifetime
  • You’ll leave a legacy that empowers the next generation through mentorship

Common Assets You Can Gift by Beneficiary Designation​

IRA or 401(k) accounts       Life insurance policies       Joint real estate or property       Joint bank or investment accounts
A simple form — and a powerful way to help more young people reach their full potential.
Legacy Club | $25/month
An accessible monthly gift that provides steady, predictable support for mentoring relationships all year long.

Best for: Everyday philanthropists, Bigs, alumni, and community members who want an easy, consistent way to show up for kids.
Legacy Circle | $1,000/year
​ ​(one-time or installments)
Legacy Circle members invest $1,000 or more each year so more kids across Southeast Michigan can be matched with a mentor.
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Best for: donors ready to lead with their giving.
Legacy Society | Major Gifts & Planned Giving 
Anchor the long-term health and growth of our work.
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Best for Donors who:
  1. Make transformational major gifts (above your standard annual level), and/or
  • Include BBBSSEM in their estate plans 

YOUR LEGACY GIFT CAN BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

Generosity comes in many forms — and each one has the power to transform lives. By including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan in your legacy plans, you create lasting impact that goes far beyond today.
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Your support helps fuel meaningful mentoring relationships that empower young people, strengthen families, and build a brighter, more connected future for our entire community.

QUESTIONS? WE ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP! 

Connect with our Development Director Anne Marie Veneroni
[email protected]  /  734-236-9715