Building a Legacy

The Impact Of Estate Giving

by W.B. Eric M. Young, Senior Grand Deacon

A common question these days is, “What’s in it for me?” When it comes to giving to your Lodge or Oregon Freemasonry, the answer is profound: your contributions have far-reaching benefits. Here’s how they make a difference:

Impacts Of Your Contributions

TAX BENEFITS: Donations can lower your annual and estate taxes, and reduce inheritance taxes.

SUPPORT YOUR LODGE: Help fund local Lodge operations, programs, and improvements.

AID YOUR BROTHERS: Assist Masons in need across Oregon via MasonicAid.

PROMOTE MASONIC PROGRAMS: Support efforts on local and national levels, such as funding the National George Washington Memorial and Masonic Services Association.

CREATE A LEGACY: Transferring funds outside your estate ensures they are excluded from estate tax calculations, allowing you to leave a lasting mark on your Lodge and community.

Ways To Give

DIRECT DONATIONS: Make contributions monthly, annually, or as a one-time gift now or in the future.

PAYABLE ON DEATH (POD): Designate Oregon Masonic charities as a POD beneficiary on bank accounts, which simplifies the transfer of funds and helps avoid probate.

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS (QCDS): Donate your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts directly to charity. These donations are tax-free.

WILLS AND TRUSTS: Include Oregon Masonic charities in your will or trust to reduce estate taxes and meet specific financial goals. Charitable trusts can even generate income during your lifetime while benefiting Oregon Masonic charities after you pass.

PROPERTY DONATIONS*: Gift real estate—such as a home or acreage—and retain lifetime use while transferring ownership.

APPRECIATED STOCK: Donate stocks to avoid long-term capital gains taxes.

LIFE INSURANCE: Name Oregon Masonic charities as a beneficiary on your policy.

The Legacy Of Giving

Whether you give $100 or 100 million, your contributions create a ripple effect that supports your Lodge, your Brothers, and your community. These investments ensure Freemasonry continues to foster leadership, community engagement, and personal growth in future generations. That is a legacy you and your family can take pride in.

If you’d like guidance on the many ways to give, schedule an in-person consultation with your financial advisor to explore options tailored to you.

As a 38-year Master Mason, I’ve heard countless stories of how our forefathers built our Lodges. These men would travel for hours on horseback, stay overnight in hotels or Brothers’ homes, and make their Lodge the heartbeat of the community. Their dedication was extraordinary.

We have the opportunity to continue that tradition. By giving, we honor their legacy and ensure that our Lodges remain strong pillars in our communities. Let’s invest in our Craft and the men who will carry it forward.