The Lamplighter Society - Planned Giving

Since 1853, the YMCA of Greater St. Louis has adapted to meet the needs of the people in the St. Louis community, always carrying out our mission of building healthy spirits, minds and bodies for all.

Our history is also one of planning ahead to make certain that future generations can benefit from YMCA programs. In fact, the YMCA in St. Louis received its first bequest of $5,000 from the estate of Sarah Collier in 1886.

For all these years, people have seen the good the YMCA does and have made a commitment to keep the YMCA mission strong well into the future. Ms. Collier couldn’t have envisioned the people and programs the YMCA would encompass today, but her gift in 1886 helped ensure that we’d get here.

More than money, the commitment of those who give to the YMCA Endowment Fund is about making a difference. For more information, please contact Renee Tillman, Executive Director, at 636-928-1928, ext. 323. 

Ways To Give To The Endowment Fund

Wills Bequests and Living Trusts

Gifts to the YMCA through wills or living trusts may include specific property, a dollar amount, a percentage of an estate or the amount that remains in an estate after bequests to loved ones have been honored.

Gifts of Securities

Gifts of appreciated securities allow a charitable income tax deduction and capital gains tax savings. To afford the donor tax benefits for both the capital loss and the charitable gift, depreciated securities may best be sold and the cash proceeds given to the YMCA.

Life Insurance

Making a gift of a life insurance policy may allow a sizeable gift to the YMCA with minimal cost.

Gift Annuity

A charitable gift annuity allows for a significant gift to the YMCA while providing fixed life income to the donor and/or loved ones.