Wills and trusts: create a lasting legacy for children
The easiest way to protect your legacy
Creating a will or trust is an important part of protecting your loved ones and defining your legacy. It’s also a way to support the causes you care about without affecting your lifestyle today.
Including Children’s Medical Center Foundation in your will is one of the most flexible ways to make life better for children for generations to come. You can trust that we will:
honor your privacy
respect your right to change your plans
use your gift according to your wishes
For nearly three decades, Mark has brought smiles to kids at Children's Health. Now, he's making an impact that will last beyond his volunteer years.
Volunteering in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit at Children's Health changed my life. And somewhere along the way, as I’ve watched this place continue to grow, the kids and the people who care for them got ahold of me. So, I decided to include Children's Health in my will. And thanks to a partnership between Children's Health and FreeWill.com, it was easy.
You have the power to make life better for children today and for generations to come. If I can do it, you can, too.
Meet MarkLegacies that make life better for children
Every legacy gift begins with a personal story. Some donors are former patients. Some are dedicated employees. Others are longtime volunteers and grateful families. Together, they are helping build an incredible future for children.
- Meet Shana
For nearly 25 years, Shana Berger has dedicated her career to making life better for children at Children’s Health. Now, through a gift in her estate plans, she’s ensuring her impact lives on—creating hope, healing and a brighter future for generations of children and families.
Meet LindseyDiagnosed with a rare disorder, Lindsey Edwards knows life is precious. At just 29, she’s sharing her story and planning for the future by including Children’s Health in her will, helping create hope and healing for the next generation of patients.
Why Families Choose to Leave a Legacy Gift
A gift in your will or trust allows you to support the people and causes you care about most while maintaining control of your assets during your lifetime. Many supporters choose this type of estate planning because it costs nothing today and helps ensure future generations of children receive the world-class care they deserve.
Sample language
There are three common ways to leave a gift in your will or trust:
Leave a dollar amount: "I hereby give, devise and bequeath [Amount] to Children's Medical Center Foundation, a non-profit organization located at 2777 N. Stemmons Fwy., Ste. 1700 Dallas, TX 75207, Federal Tax ID: 75-2062015, for Children's Medical Center Foundation's general use and purposes."
Leave a percentage: "I hereby give, devise and bequeath [Percentage] to Children's Medical Center Foundation, a non-profit organization located at 2777 N. Stemmons Fwy., Ste. 1700 Dallas, TX 75207, Federal Tax ID: 75-2062015, for Children's Medical Center Foundation's general use and purposes."
Leave a gift for a specific purpose: "I hereby give, devise and bequeath [Amount or Percentage] to Children's Medical Center Foundation, a non-profit organization located at 2777 N. Stemmons Fwy., Ste. 1700 Dallas, TX 75207, Federal Tax ID: 75-2062015, for Children's Medical Center Foundation's [Designated Purpose]."
Join the Bradford Legacy Society
Supporters who include Children's Medical Center Foundation in their estate plans become part of the Bradford Legacy Society, a community of generous donors helping make life better for children for generations to come.
Get started today
To include Children’s Medical Center Foundation in your will or trust, you can meet with an attorney of your choice or use our free online tool at freewill.com/childrens
.
Already included Children’s Health?
If you already have included Children’s Medical Center Foundation in your estate plans, please complete this short form so we can plan for your gift and carry out your wishes.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to 
GiftPlanning@childrens.com or call 214-456-8360.
Important Considerations
Before pursuing this giving method, donors should be aware of the following:
A bequest does not affect your estate during your lifetime: Because a bequest is made through your will or trust, your assets remain available to you throughout your lifetime. You can update or revoke the bequest at any time.
Notify us of your plans: If you've included Children's Medical Center Foundation in your will or trust, please let us know at giftplanning@childrens.com. This helps us plan for your gift and ensures your intentions are carried out.
Specific purpose designations require prior approval: If you wish to designate your bequest for a specific program or purpose, please contact our Legacy and Gift Planning team first to confirm the organization can honor the designation as intended.
Estate liquidity: Donors should ensure their estate has sufficient liquid assets to cover other bequests and expenses before committing a large percentage to charity.
This information is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.
Key Rules and Guidelines
The following IRS rules, limits, and requirements apply to this giving method:
Unlimited charitable estate tax deduction: Charitable bequests to qualified 501(c)3 organizations are fully deductible from a taxable estate with no limit, potentially reducing or eliminating federal estate tax.
No income tax deduction for bequests: A charitable bequest does not generate an income tax deduction during the donor's lifetime. The tax benefit is an estate tax deduction at death.
Probate process: Bequests made through a will pass through probate, which can be a public process that varies state by state. Gifts made through a living trust or beneficiary designation bypass probate and transfer directly.
Contingent bequests: Donors may also name Children's Medical Center Foundation as a contingent beneficiary — receiving the gift only if a primary beneficiary does not survive the donor.
Sample language: The Foundation provides IRS-compliant sample bequest language. Donors should use the organization's full legal name (Children's Medical Center Foundation), address (2777 N. Stemmons Fwy., Suite 1700, Dallas, TX 75207), and Federal Tax ID (75-2062015) in all estate planning documents.
Rules and limits referenced above reflect current law. Tax law is subject to change. Please consult a qualified tax or legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
Download our interactive booklet
Explore your options. Download our interactive workbook to find the gift that works for you.
Interested in learning more?
Reach out to our Legacy & Gift Planning team today to learn about ways to make a tax-smart gift.
Let us know
If you have been so generous as to already include Children’s Medical Center Foundation in your plans, please complete our recognition form to join our Bradford Society.
