Planned Giving

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 and Securities – Gain tax advantages while helping children find love and stability.
  • Other Legacy Gifts – Real estate, business interests, donor-advised funds, and more.

Make a difference in a child’s future. It’s the size of your heart that matters, not your gift.  

Bequest

You can leave a bequest by simply including Big Oak Ranch in your will or living trust. This allows you to designate a portion of your estate to support our mission and helps ensure the continued impact for future generations.

Beneficiary Designation(s)

You can designate Big Oak Ranch as a beneficiary for various financial accounts such as bank accounts, investment accounts, and life insurance policies. You can also name Big Oak Ranch as a beneficiary for your donor-advised fund (DAF) and retirement assets, such as IRAs.

Charitable Gift Annuity

A Charitable Gift Annuity allows you to support the mission of Big Oak Ranch while also securing steady income for life to you or another designated annuitant. By making this decision, you create a meaningful legacy while also providing for yourself or a loved one.

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.

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.

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! Every person who commits to a planned gift becomes a member of our 1974 Society. Please let us know about your commitment by completing our Planned Giving Intent Form.

Contact Us
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 Legacy

If 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!