Did You Know?
Many donors make their first legacy commitment after supporting Kessler Foundation through annual giving or Kessler Society membership. A planned gift is a natural extension of a passionate commitment to advancing rehabilitation research.
A bequest is one of the simplest and most common ways to make a legacy gift. You may choose to leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset. This type of gift does not affect your finances during your lifetime and can be updated at any time.
You can designate Kessler Foundation as a beneficiary of retirement accounts, life insurance policies, or investment accounts. Beneficiary designations are easy to arrange and often avoid probate, making them an efficient way to give.
A charitable gift annuity allows you to make a lump‑sum gift and receive fixed payments for life. After your lifetime, the remaining funds support rehabilitation research at Kessler Foundation.
A charitable remainder trust provides income to you or your loved ones for a set period, after which the remaining assets support Kessler Foundation. This option can offer tax advantages while allowing you to make a significant future impact.
An endowed fund is a lasting investment in the future of rehabilitation research. With a minimum gift of $100,000, you can establish a fund that provides permanent support for a research area or program that reflects your values and interests.
You can recommend recurring grants or create a plan for future gifts from your donor-advised fund. This approach allows you to support Kessler Foundation now and in perpetuity.
- Research for traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or autism
- Innovations in mobility, cognition, and neurotechnology
- Research participation and ethical study oversight
- The future of rehabilitation science
Legacy giving is a personal decision, and we are here to help you explore options that align with your goals. Jonathan Gudema, our legacy giving advisor, can work with you and your advisors to ensure your gift reflects your wishes and supports the future you envision.
If you have already included Kessler Foundation in your estate plans, we would be honored to know. Sharing your intentions allows us to thank you, confirm we understand your wishes, and welcome you to our legacy community.
All conversations are confidential, there is no obligation, and you may change your plans at any time.
Sample Bequest Language
If you are considering including Kessler Foundation in your will or living trust, the following sample language may be helpful. We encourage you to consult with your attorney or financial advisor to determine the wording that best reflects your wishes.
“I give to Kessler Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization with a principal address at 120 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, Federal Tax Identification Number 31-1562134, the sum of $________ (or ______ percent of my estate) to be used for its general charitable purposes.”
“I give to Kessler Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization with a principal address at 120 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, Federal Tax Identification Number 31-1562134, ______ percent (or all) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate for its general charitable purposes.”
“I give to Kessler Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization with a principal address at 120 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, Federal Tax Identification Number 31-1562134, the sum of $________ (or a specific asset) to support rehabilitation research in an area determined in consultation with the Foundation.”
Optional language:
“If the specified purpose is no longer feasible, I authorize Kessler Foundation to use this gift in a manner that best advances its mission.”
“If Kessler Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization with a principal address at 120 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936, Federal Tax Identification Number 31-1562134, is in existence at the time of my death, I give $________ (or ______ percent of my estate) to the Foundation. Otherwise, this gift shall lapse.”
Legacy Giving FAQs
A legacy gift is a future gift made through your estate plans that supports Kessler Foundation after your lifetime. Common legacy gifts include bequests in a will or living trust, beneficiary designations, and charitable trusts. These gifts help ensure long‑term support for rehabilitation research.
No. In many cases, you can add a simple amendment, called a codicil, to your existing will or update a beneficiary designation on an account. Your attorney or advisor can help determine the easiest approach based on your situation.
No. There is no minimum amount required to include Kessler Foundation in your estate plans. Every legacy gift, regardless of size, contributes to future breakthroughs in rehabilitation research.
Yes. You may choose to direct your gift to a specific research area or program, or allow it to be used where the need is greatest. If circumstances change in the future, flexible language can ensure your gift continues to advance the Foundation’s mission.
You can include language that allows Kessler Foundation to redirect your gift to a related purpose that best supports its mission. This ensures your gift remains impactful even as research priorities evolve.
Yes. Legacy gifts may offer estate tax benefits and can help reduce the tax burden on your heirs. The specific benefits depend on the type of gift and your individual financial situation. We recommend consulting with your attorney or financial advisor.
Yes. Naming Kessler Foundation as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy is a simple and effective way to make a legacy gift. This option often avoids probate and can be updated easily.
Yes. Legacy gifts are revocable and can be changed at any time if your circumstances or priorities change. You remain in full control of your plans throughout your lifetime.
You are not required to notify us, but letting us know allows us to thank you, confirm we understand your wishes, and welcome you to our legacy community. All information is kept confidential.
To ensure accuracy, please use the following details:
- Legal Name: Kessler Foundation, Inc.
- Address: 120 Eagle Rock Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936
- Federal Tax ID: 31-1562134
The Development Team is available to answer questions, provide additional information, and work with you and your advisors. Conversations are confidential and without obligation.
