Ways to Give:
Gifts Through Wills
and Trusts

Photo Credit: UN CTCN/Miranda Rikki Tasker

Ways to Give:
Gifts Through
Wills and
Trusts

Gifts Through Wills and Trusts

Listing Solar Cookers International in your will or trust gives you flexibility — you can specify a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset such as real estate or stock.

For your convenience, you may use this suggested language in your will or trust:

“I give, devise, and bequeath to Solar Cookers International, a nonprofit corporation located in Sacramento, California, Federal Tax ID #68-0153141, _ percent (%) of my estate (or the sum of $_, or the property described herein) for its general purposes.”

You can adapt this language with your attorney to fit your individual situation.

Fatuma preparing a meal with her solar cooker outside her home

Photo Credit: Eco-Impact Hub CBO

Honoring a loved one after they are gone can be a wonderful way to continue their legacy. That’s why my husband and I wanted to make it easy for our children to continue our support through Solar Cookers International Legacy Circle giving. It will be a piece of our memory and our children’s that will live on.

All of us, regardless of age, wealth or affiliation, have the ability to leave a legacy for future generations. EVERYONE needs a will. Anyone who has a bank account, home, car or any personal property should create a will so that your family and loved ones know your wishes. Without a will, your property and assets could go to the state in which you reside.

Please fill out the Legacy Donor Interest Form below to discuss leaving your legacy with our in-house expert.

Why leave a legacy gift?

A legacy gift is more than a financial decision. It’s a reflection of your values and your belief in a better future. 

No matter your age, background, or level of wealth, you can make a lasting impact through planned giving. Your gift helps provide:

  • Clean, renewable energy for vulnerable communities 
  • Healthier homes and safer cooking practices 
  • Protection for forests and natural resources 
  • Opportunity and dignity for families worldwide

Legacy giving also offers:

  • A simple way to make a lifelong difference  
  • Potential tax benefits for you and your heirs 
  • The peace of mind that your values will live on through meaningful action 

Ways to leave a legacy

There are several flexible and meaningful ways to include SCI in your long-term plans. 

Gifts in your will
or trust

Including Solar Cookers International in your will or trust allows you to support our mission while maintaining full control of your estate.

You may choose to leave: 

  • A specific dollar amount 
  • A percentage of your estate 
  • A particular asset (such as property or stock) 

Suggested Language for Your Will or Trust 

“I give, devise, and bequeath to Solar Cookers International, a nonprofit corporation located in Sacramento, California, Federal Tax ID #68-0153141, ___ percent (%) of my estate (or the sum of $_____, or the property described herein) for its general purposes.” 

This language may be adapted with your attorney to fit your individual situation.

Read how SCI Board Member Monica made her legacy gift

Read More

Gifts through
retirement assets

Naming SCI as a beneficiary of your retirement assets is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. 

You may designate SCI as a full or partial beneficiary of: 

  • IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) 
  • Pension plans
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA) 
  • Donor Advised Funds (DAF) 
  • Brokerage, savings, or money market accounts with transfer-on-death (TOD) or payment-on-death (POD) designations 

Because SCI is a nonprofit organization, these gifts are generally not subject to income or estate tax, allowing more of your assets to directly support clean cooking initiatives. 

How to Name SCI as a Beneficiary 

Request a beneficiary designation form from your plan provider and use the following information: 

To name SCI on your form, please use the following information:

Solar Cookers International
2400 22nd Street, Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95818
Tax ID: 68-0153141
Relationship: 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

Gifts of life
insurance

Life insurance can be a powerful and accessible way to create a future gift.

You can name SCI as:

  • Primary beneficiary (receives benefits directly), or
  • A Contingent beneficiary (receives benefits only if other beneficiaries are no longer living).

When you name SCI as owner or beneficiary:

  • The benefits pass to SCI free of federal estate tax.
  • You may be eligible for tax savings.
  • Continued premium payments you make after donation are tax-deductible.

SCI is unable to pay premiums directly. However, you may maintain ownership and update beneficiaries at any time. 

Some supporters also choose to establish a new, affordable policy that grows into a meaningful future contribution. 

Other planned
giving options

You may also support SCI through advanced giving strategies such as: 

  • Charitable gift annuities
  • Charitable remainder trusts
  • Charitable lead trusts

These options can provide income during your lifetime, potential tax benefits, and long-term support for SCI’s mission. 

We recommend discussing these options with a qualified financial or legal advisor. 

Important information

This information is not intended as legal or financial advice. We encourage you to consult with your attorney, financial planner, or tax advisor to determine the best approach for your personal situation. 

If you would like guidance, our team is here to help. 

Once you have included SCI in your plans, we would be honored to thank you and welcome you into our Legacy Circle. 

Contact us

We’re happy to guide you through
your legacy planning process.

Email us at info@solarcookers.org,

or call +1 (916) 455-4499.

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