Leave a Legacy

Your Legacy. Their Future.

Your legacy can change a child’s life. By including California CASA in your estate plans, you create an enduring impact that ensures every child in the foster care and juvenile justice systems has a consistent, caring adult in their corner.

“As part of their legacy, they always wanted to financially support the organizations they felt passionate about. Your organization, California CASA Association, is one of those beneficiaries. My parents understood your mission and wanted to support the incredible work that you do. My family is assured that this money will help you to continue to make this world a better, healthier place for all.”

- Family Member of Legacy Giving Donor

What is Legacy Giving?

Planned giving, also known as legacy giving, is a way for individuals to make a lasting impact through future-focused contributions that support the causes they care about most.

At its core, planned giving means committing today to support California CASA tomorrow through your will, trust, retirement account, life insurance policy, or other long-term financial plans. These gifts cost nothing during your lifetime, yet they can ensure that your values and generosity endure for generations to come.

 

Here’s What Makes Planned Giving Powerful:

  • It reflects your values and tells your story in a way that lasts beyond your lifetime.

  • It can reduce taxes for your heirs and simplify estate planning.

  • It costs nothing now, allowing you to make a larger impact than might be possible through annual gifts alone.

  • It’s easy to set up—in most cases, all it takes is filling out a beneficiary form or adding a short paragraph to your will.

 

Ways to Make a Legacy Gift

Bequests in a Will or Trust

Designate a specific amount, percentage, or remainder of your estate to California CASA in your will or trust.

Beneficiary Designations

Name California CASA as a beneficiary of your retirement accounts (IRA, 401K), life insurance policy, bank, or donor-advised fund.

Qualified Charitable Distributions

If you’re 70.5 or older, you can make a tax-free distribution from your IRA directly to California CASA.

Charitable Gift Annuities & Trusts

For those seeking to support a cause while generating income during their lifetime, these vehicles offer a solution.

Gifts of Real Estate or Securities

Transfer appreciated assets or property to support CASA’s mission in a tax-efficient way.

 

Why Your Legacy Matters

Why consider a planned gift? Because it creates a lasting impact. Your support ensures that children in foster care across California have access to a trained, consistent Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)—someone who listens, shows up, and helps guide them through complex systems and uncertain times.

Legacy gifts strengthen the foundation of our work and expand our capacity to:

  • Recruit, train, and support CASA volunteers

  • Advocate for equitable outcomes for vulnerable youth

  • Invest in statewide CASA infrastructure and innovation

  • Respond to urgent and long-term needs across California

 

Start Your Legacy Today

Step 1: Talk to your financial advisor

Discuss the best giving strategy for your goals and situation

Step 2: Use our legal information

Name California CASA Association in your will or as a beneficiary

Name: California Court Appointed Special Advocate Association

EIN: 68-0163010

Mailing Address: 3525 Del Mar Heights Rd. #243

San Diego, CA 92130-2122

Step 3: Let us know your plans

We would love to acknowledge you and ensure your legacy is honored as you intend.

Contact Jenna Snyder, Manager of Annual Giving at:

Email: jsnyder@californiacasa.org

Phone: (619) 210-2347

Legacy Giving FAQ

Do I have to be wealthy to leave a legacy gift?

Not at all. Legacy giving is about intention, not wealth. Gifts of all sizes create meaningful impact.

Can I choose how my gift is used?

Yes. While unrestricted gifts allow us to address urgent needs, we are happy to honor your preferences.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Most legacy gifts qualify for estate tax charitable deductions. Please consult your financial advisor for details.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Absolutely. We respect your privacy and will never share your information without your consent.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

Contact Jenna Snyder, Manager of Annual Giving, at:

Email: jsnyder@californiacasa.org

Phone: (619) 210-2347