How to Help
Planned Giving
With your planned gift to Big Oak Ranch, you can create a
ripple effect that will impact the lives of countless
children for years to come.
The Gift That Keeps Giving
Your support; their future.
There are many ways to support Big Oak through planned giving. Find the option that is best for you:
- Include a Bequest in Your Will or Trust – A simple way to ensure your legacy continues.
- Name Big Oak Ranch as a Beneficiary – Retirement accounts, life insurance, or investment accounts can make a lasting impact.
- Establish a Charitable Gift Annuity or Trust – Support our mission while securing income for you or your family.
- Donate Stocks & Securities – Gain tax advantages while helping children find love and stability.
- Other Legacy Gifts – Real estate, business interests, donor-advised funds, and more.
It’s the size of your heart that matters, not your gift. Visit our Planned Giving web page to learn more about making a difference in a child’s future.
Ways to Contribute Through Planned Giving
Bequest
You can leave a bequest to Big Oak Ranch by including specific language in your will or living trust. This allows you to designate a portion of your estate to support the mission of Big Oak Ranch. By making this decision, you can help ensure the organization’s continued impact for future generations.
Beneficiary Designation(s)
You have the option to designate Big Oak Ranch as a beneficiary for various financial accounts. This includes your bank accounts, investment accounts, and life insurance policy. You can name Big Oak Ranch as a beneficiary for your donor-advised fund (DAF) and retirement assets, such as IRAs.
Charitable Gift Annuity
You can make an irrevocable gift to support Big Oak Ranch, ensuring that your contribution makes a lasting impact. This gift not only benefits the Ranch but also provides a source of fixed income for life to you or another designated annuitant. By making this decision, you create a meaningful legacy while securing financial support for yourself or a loved one.
Make a Difference That Lasts
Simple. Impactful. Meaningful.Help us provide more children with the love, support and opportunities they need to overcome the adversities they were born into and build a brighter tomorrow. Your support ensures access to the critical components necessary to build a strong foundation for a successful life — safe homes, loving families, education and Christian guidance. Your planned giving can help us reach our endowment goal per home to sustain yearly operations and provide care and support for generations of children and teens.
Build a Foundation2,000+
Children Served Since 1974
Since 1974, Big Oak has served over 2,000+ children nationwide, providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive. Our commitment to fostering growth and development in young lives continues to drive our mission forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is planned giving?
Planned giving allows you to make a meaningful, long-term impact on the children at Big Oak Ranch while also aligning with your financial and estate planning goals. These gifts often provide tax benefits and can include bequests, life insurance policies, retirement assets and more.
Why should I consider planned giving?
By including Big Oak Ranch in your estate plans, you help provide children with a safe, loving home and the tools they need for a successful future. It’s a way to leave a legacy of hope and healing for generations to come — all while potentially receiving financial benefits for yourself and your loved ones.
How do I know if planned giving is right for me?
If you believe in our mission and want to ensure children in need have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and find future success, planned giving may be a great option. We encourage you to speak with a financial advisor or estate planning professional to determine the best approach for your situation.
What are the different ways I can make a planned gift?
Planned gifts can take many forms, including:
- Bequests – Naming Big Oak Ranch in your will or living trust.
- Retirement Assets – Designating Big Oak Ranch as a beneficiary of an IRA, 401(k), or pension plan.
- Life Insurance Policies – Naming Big Oak Ranch as a beneficiary of an existing or new policy.
- Charitable Remainder Trusts – Providing income for you or loved ones while supporting our children’s future.
- Stocks & Securities – Donating appreciated assets to maximize tax benefits.
Can I make a planned gift without updating my will?
Yes! Many planned gifts, such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and donor-advised funds, simply require updating your beneficiary designation rather than changing your will.
How do I include Big Oak Ranch in my will?
To include Big Oak Ranch in your will, you can use the following language:
“I give, devise, and bequeath [specific amount or percentage] to Big Oak Ranch, a nonprofit organization located at [Address], Tax ID [EIN Number], for its general use and purposes.”
What are the tax benefits of planned giving?
Many planned gifts offer tax advantages, such as income tax deductions, capital gains tax savings and estate tax reductions. We encourage you to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand how planned giving fits into your financial strategy.
Do I need an attorney to make a planned gift?
For gifts like bequests or charitable trusts, it’s advisable to work with an attorney or estate planning professional to ensure your wishes are properly documented.
Can I change my planned gift later?
Yes, most planned gifts are revocable, meaning you can modify or update them at any time if your circumstances change.
How do I notify Big Oak Ranch of my planned gift?
We’d love to recognize and thank you for your generosity! Please let us know by completing our Planned Giving Intent Form.
Do I need to share details of my planned gift with Big Oak Ranch?
While it’s not required, sharing your plans with us helps ensure we can honor your intentions and include you in any recognition opportunities.
Whom can I contact for more information?
Our team is happy to answer any questions. Please reach out to Catherine Brown, Planned Giving Lead at (205) 467-6226 or cbrown@bigoak.org.
Your Gift. Their Future.
Leave a LegacyIf you’re interested in learning more about Planned Giving or how you can support the growth of this Big Oak Ranch initiative, send us a message! Whether you want to stay informed, volunteer or offer a donation, every connection makes a difference for our children. We’re excited to see what God continues to do through this unique program!