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Ways to help — Legacy giving

Leave a legacy that
outlasts a lifetime

A planned gift to Pathways is one of the most powerful things you can do for Bloomington’s families — and it costs nothing during your lifetime. Your generosity today plants seeds that will grow for generations.

$45.8B
Given through bequests in 2024 nationwide
90%+
of planned gifts are simple bequests in a will
$0
Cost to you during your lifetime for most planned gifts
📑Bequest in your will
🏠Beneficiary designation
💵IRA / retirement gift
📈Gift annuity
Charitable trust
📑
Bequest in your will or living trust
Simple — no attorney required beyond drafting your will
A bequest is simply a line in your will or living trust that designates a gift to Pathways. It is the most popular form of planned giving — accounting for over 90% of all planned gifts — because it’s flexible, revocable if your situation changes, and costs nothing during your lifetime. You can leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the “residue” remaining after other gifts are distributed.
Revocable anytime if your needs change
No minimum gift amount
Reduces taxable estate for your heirs
Can be added to an existing will via codicil
Sample bequest language “I give, bequeath, and devise to Pathways (formerly Monroe County United Ministries), a nonprofit organization located at 827 West 14th Court, Bloomington, Indiana 47404, [the sum of $______ / ______% of my estate / the residue of my estate] to be used for its general charitable purposes.”
🏠
Beneficiary designation
Simple — update a form directly with your financial institution
You can name Pathways as a beneficiary on financial accounts — including life insurance policies, IRAs, 401(k)s, bank accounts, and donor-advised funds — without changing your will. These designations pass directly to Pathways outside of probate, making them fast, private, and simple. You remain in full control during your lifetime and can update the designation at any time.
Bypasses probate — fast transfer
No will change needed
Works for life insurance, IRAs, bank accounts
Revocable — update anytime
How to do it Contact your bank, insurance company, or retirement plan administrator and request a “change of beneficiary” form. List Pathways, Tax ID (EIN): [your EIN here], 827 West 14th Court, Bloomington, IN 47404. You can name us as a primary or contingent beneficiary.
💵
IRA or retirement account gift
Moderate — works best with a financial advisor
Retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are often the most tax-efficient assets to give to charity. If left to heirs, these funds are taxed as ordinary income — but when donated to Pathways, they pass tax-free. Donors age 70½ or older can also make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of up to $108,000 per year directly from an IRA, satisfying Required Minimum Distributions while avoiding income tax.
Heirs avoid income tax on inherited IRA
QCD satisfies Required Minimum Distributions
Up to $108,000 per year via QCD (2025)
Available to donors age 70½+
Smart strategy Consider leaving your IRA to Pathways and giving cash or other assets to your heirs — they won’t pay income tax on what they inherit, and Pathways receives the full value of the retirement account. Talk to your financial advisor about the right approach for your situation.
📈
Charitable gift annuity
Moderate — requires agreement with Pathways
A charitable gift annuity is a contract between you and Pathways. You transfer assets (cash or securities) to Pathways, and in return, we pay you a fixed income for life. The rate is based on your age at the time of the gift — older donors receive higher rates. You also receive a partial charitable tax deduction. When you pass away, the remaining funds support Pathways’ mission.
Guaranteed fixed income for life
Partial charitable tax deduction
Great option for low-yield assets
Can be funded with appreciated stock
Note Charitable gift annuities are subject to state regulations and require a formal agreement. Please contact us to discuss whether this option is right for you. We’re happy to connect you with the right resources.
Charitable remainder trust
Complex — requires an attorney
A charitable remainder trust (CRT) allows you to donate assets to a trust, receive income from the trust during your lifetime (or a set term), and leave the remainder to Pathways. You avoid capital gains tax on appreciated assets contributed to the trust and receive an income tax deduction. CRTs are ideal for donors with large appreciated assets who also want retirement income. These are complex vehicles best suited to larger gifts and require an estate planning attorney.
Avoid capital gains on appreciated assets
Income tax deduction at time of gift
Provides retirement income stream
Remainder supports Pathways’ mission
Recommended for Donors with significant appreciated assets — real estate, stocks, or a business — who want to convert them to income while making a meaningful legacy gift. We strongly encourage working with a qualified estate planning attorney and financial advisor.
💵 Specific dollar amount bequest
Use when you want to leave a defined dollar amount. Your estate distributes this first before other gifts.
Suggested language I give, bequeath, and devise to Pathways (formerly Monroe County United Ministries), a nonprofit organization located at 827 West 14th Court, Bloomington, Indiana 47404, Tax ID [EIN], the sum of $__________ to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Tip: You can also restrict the gift to a specific program (e.g., “for the benefit of Compass Early Learning Center”). Talk to us before adding restrictions so we can ensure the gift is workable long-term.
📈 Percentage of estate bequest
Use when you want Pathways to receive a share of your estate. This adjusts automatically as the value of your estate changes over time.
Suggested language I give, bequeath, and devise to Pathways (formerly Monroe County United Ministries), a nonprofit organization located at 827 West 14th Court, Bloomington, Indiana 47404, Tax ID [EIN], __________% of my estate to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Tip: Even a small percentage — 1% or 5% — can result in a significant gift and have a lasting impact on families in our community.
Residuary bequest
Use when you want Pathways to receive whatever remains after all other specific gifts and debts are paid. This is often the simplest option for long-time supporters.
Suggested language I give, bequeath, and devise to Pathways (formerly Monroe County United Ministries), a nonprofit organization located at 827 West 14th Court, Bloomington, Indiana 47404, Tax ID [EIN], all [or __________% of] the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Tip: A residuary bequest ensures your family and other specific bequests are fully covered first. What’s left comes to Pathways — however large or small.
👥 Contingent bequest
Use when you want Pathways to receive a gift only if your primary beneficiary (e.g., a spouse or child) does not survive you.
Suggested language If [name of primary beneficiary] does not survive me, then I give, bequeath, and devise to Pathways (formerly Monroe County United Ministries), a nonprofit organization located at 827 West 14th Court, Bloomington, Indiana 47404, Tax ID [EIN], [the sum of $__________ / __________% of my estate / the residue of my estate] to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Tip: Contingent bequests are a great way to include Pathways in your plans without changing gifts to loved ones. It’s a safety net for your legacy.
01
Start with your will
If you don’t have a will, now is a great time to create one. A simple will is often inexpensive and gives you control over your entire estate. Online tools like FreeWill make basic wills accessible to everyone.
02
Tell us about your gift
You’re never obligated to notify us, but letting us know allows us to thank you properly, connect you to our legacy society, and ensure we can honor your intent when the time comes.
03
Use our legal name
Our full legal name is Pathways (formerly Monroe County United Ministries), located at 827 West 14th Court, Bloomington, IN 47404. Using our full name and address in your documents prevents confusion during estate settlement.
04
Review your beneficiaries
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance override your will. Review them regularly — especially after major life changes — to make sure they reflect your current wishes.
05
Consider giving retirement assets
IRAs and 401(k)s are among the most tax-efficient assets to donate. Your heirs avoid income tax on what they inherit, and Pathways receives the full value. Cash and property are often better to leave to family.
06
Talk to an advisor
For anything beyond a simple bequest, a qualified estate planning attorney or financial advisor can help you structure a gift that benefits both Pathways and your family. We’re happy to provide information to support that conversation.
Do I need a lot of money to make a planned gift?
Not at all. Planned gifts of any size make a meaningful difference. A bequest of even 1% of an estate can fund months of programming for a family. The most important thing is the intention to support Pathways’ mission for the long term.
Can I change my mind after making a planned gift?
Yes — most planned gifts, including bequests and beneficiary designations, are fully revocable. You can update your will or change a beneficiary designation at any time during your lifetime. Only irrevocable instruments like certain trusts and charitable gift annuities cannot be changed once established.
Will a planned gift affect my family or loved ones?
Planned giving is designed to work alongside your family’s needs, not compete with them. Most donors leave the majority of their estate to family and designate a percentage or specific amount to Pathways. A contingent bequest ensures your family is always taken care of first.
What is Pathways’ legal name for estate documents?
Please use: Pathways (formerly Monroe County United Ministries), 827 West 14th Court, Bloomington, Indiana 47404. Including our address helps ensure your gift reaches us without delay. Contact us for our EIN (Tax ID number).
How will Pathways use my planned gift?
Unless you specify otherwise, planned gifts go toward our general operating support — meaning they can be used wherever the need is greatest, from Compass Early Learning Center to Your Path financial coaching to our food pantry. You can also designate your gift for a specific program. Please talk to us before adding restrictions so we can confirm your intent is workable.

Ready to build your lasting legacy?

We’d be honored to be part of your story. Reach out to learn more, share your plans, or ask any questions — there’s no obligation and no pressure.