Make a Difference in the New Year: Smart Giving Strategies

Are you energized by the new year – an opportunity for recalibrating and for starting anew? Why not start by taking time to consider the difference you want to make with your charitable giving for the coming year?

For 141 years, Baystate Health has been a trusted and integral presence in Western Massachusetts, delivering compassionate, quality, and accessible care. With the challenges healthcare is facing across the country, will you consider investing in the future of Baystate Health, to ensure the best in care for you, your loved ones, and our region overall?

There are many tax-smart ways to give: 

Create a Legacy as Unique as You 

Creating a will or trust is an essential part of securing your legacy and your family’s future. A gift from your estate, otherwise known as a bequest, can be any shape and size. 

ANY SHAPE 

Your bequest can be of a specific dollar amount or an asset such as a vacation home or rare coin collection, or you can designate a percentage of your estate. 

You can tailor your bequest to support the area within Baystate Health that matters most to you, such as a specific hospital, cancer care, or for the education and training of the next generation of nurses and physicians. 

ANY SIZE 

Gifts of any size contribute to Baystate Health’s mission of advancing our communities’ health for all. 

A Flexible Option: Beneficiary Designation 

Did you know that you could increase your support without affecting your current finances? It is true. You may choose to name Baystate Health Foundation as a beneficiary to receive a percentage or all of your: 

  • Retirement plans, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, etc.
  • Bank and brokerage accounts
  • Donor-advised funds
  • Life insurance policies 

This gift is simple because there is no need to modify your will or trust. All you need to do is complete a beneficiary designation form with your plan administrator. The form takes a few minutes to complete, yet makes a lasting 
impact for Baystate Health. We can help ensure your gift supports the area of Baystate Health that matters most to you.

Consider a Gift from your IRA

Many donors who choose to include us as a beneficiary of their IRA also give annually from the same IRA account to support the area of their choosing. If you are over the age of 70½ and have an IRA, you can direct your plan administrator to make a “qualified charitable distribution” (QCD) to Baystate Health Foundation today. The amount transferred (up to a total of $111,000 in 2026) will not be added to your taxable income, as it would if you made a withdrawal from your IRA. Even better: your QCD will count towards any required minimum distribution you may have from that IRA for the year.

Help Baystate Health Foundation – and Yourself 

Every legacy gift ensures Baystate Health continues delivering quality, compassionate, and accessible care, supporting programs and services that touch thousands of lives each day. We are here to help. Reach out to us to explore ideas to create a meaningful and tax-smart giving strategy that aligns with your goals. Together, we can continue helping generations thrive here.