Individuals may choose to support Opera Laguna beyond their lifetime by including the organization in their estate plans. A planned gift allows you to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the future of opera in Laguna Beach.

We encourage you to review the information below as you consider this enduring form of support. Those considering a planned gift should consult with their legal and tax advisors. Opera Laguna is also happy to work with you and your advisors to ensure your wishes are clearly understood.

For more information, please contact:
Jude Bedel, Director of Development
jude@operalaguna.org

Bequests and Estate Gifts

A bequest is a gift made through your estate. You can support Opera Laguna by including a provision in your will or living trust, or by naming Opera Laguna as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy.

A bequest to Opera Laguna helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization and supports future generations of artists and audiences.

Benefits of a Bequest

• A bequest allows you to make a significant future gift at no cost today

• You retain full control and use of your assets during your lifetime

• Your gift can be modified if your circumstances change

• Gifts to Opera Laguna may be exempt from federal estate taxes

• You may be recognized as part of Opera Laguna’s Legacy Circle

How to Make a Bequest

A bequest may be structured in several ways:

• A specific dollar amount

• A percentage of your estate

• A portion of the remaining estate after other distributions

You may include Opera Laguna in your plans by:

• Updating your will or trust

• Adding a codicil to an existing will

• Naming Opera Laguna as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy

Designating Your Gift

You may choose to direct your gift in one of two ways:

• Unrestricted Gift
  Provides Opera Laguna with the flexibility to address its most pressing needs and opportunities

• Restricted Gift
  Supports a specific program or initiative, such as artistic productions, education, or future festival development

We encourage you to discuss any restrictions with Opera Laguna to ensure your intentions can be fulfilled.

Legacy Recognition

If you have included Opera Laguna in your estate plans, or are considering doing so, we would be honored to know. This allows us to:

• Express our gratitude

• Ensure your intentions are clearly documented

• Recognize your generosity as part of Opera Laguna’s Legacy Circle

Sample Bequest Language:

Unrestricted Bequest
I give and bequeath to Opera Laguna, a nonprofit organization, the sum of $________ or ________ percent of my estate to be used in support of its mission as determined by its Board of Directors.

Residual Bequest
I give and bequeath all (or a percentage) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to Opera Laguna to be used in support of its mission.

Restricted Bequest
I give and bequeath to Opera Laguna the sum of $________ or ________ percent of my estate to be used for the following purpose: __________________________.

Additional Information

Opera Laguna is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.