The John Conover Society was named in 2020 in memory of beloved friend, mentor, and colleague John Conover. John was a generous donor and a fundraising volunteer. He helped us conceptualize a planned giving society for LAJC where we could recognize donors for their commitment to equal and lasting justice for Virginians. Whether it was our fundraising plans, the Rivanna Trail, his wonderful family, or his work as an attorney, John was fully invested in the things he helped to build. When you make a pledge of future support you will become a member of the John Conover Society.
Planned Giving
Over 50 years of More Justice, Less Poverty
In 1967 the Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) was established to provide civil legal assistance to low-income residents in Central Virginia. Over the last 56 years, the organization has grown geographically and in scope. Today it’s staff of nearly 100 blend individual legal services and systemic advocacy to benefit low-income Virginians statewide with a particular emphasis in Richmond, Petersburg, Charlottesville, Falls Church, Southwest Virginia, and the Eastern Shore. LAJC has proven that legal and organizing strategies can dismantle the social, racial, and economic systems that keep people in poverty and LAJC’s staff and board is committed to creating long-term, sustainable change in communities experiencing poverty.
By joining the John Conover Society, you become one of the dedicated supporters who helps sustain LAJC’s mission by including them in your estate plans.
If you are interested in hearing more about planned gifts, please contact the development department at DevelopmentTeam@justice4all.org or (434) 249-9019.
If you have made a gift to LAJC in your estate plans, please let us know by filling out the form below.
Planned Gift Notification Form
The John Conover Society
Bequests
A bequest is the most common type of planned gift. A gift made through your will can allow you to make a larger gift to the Legal Aid Justice Center while letting you preserve assets during your lifetime.
Sample Bequest Language
For an unrestricted gift, which we recommend, that allows the Legal Aid Justice Center to determine how to use the funds based on the most pressing needs, use the following language for your will and/or trust:
“I give to the Legal Aid Justice Center, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 1000 Preston Avenue, Suite A, Charlottesville, VA 22903, or its successor thereto, _________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted charitable use and purpose.”
To designate your provision for a particular purpose:
“I give to the Legal Aid Justice Center, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 1000 Preston Avenue, Suite A, Charlottesville, VA 22903, or its successor thereto, _________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property]. This gift should be used for (state purpose) if and so long as the Legal Aid Justice Center determines that the need exists. If the Legal Aid Justice Center shall determine at the outset or at a later time that the need does not exist, or no longer exists or for some reason it is not possible (or prudent) to administer my gift as originally intended, then the Legal Aid Justice Center may, in its sole and uncontrolled discretion, direct the use of my bequest for a purpose related as closely as possible to that stated above.”
IRA Rollover/Qualified Charitable Distribution
If you are 73 years or older you must take a required minimum distribution from your retirement plans (most everything but an Roth IRA). But, did you know that you can directly rollover some or all of this income with a Qualified Charitable Distribution to LAJC? Talk to your IRA custodian today and ask them to make a direct payment to LAJC through a QCD. LAJC is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and our EIN is 54-0884513.
Gifts of Retirement Plan Assets
Currently, when you leave your IRAs or 401(k) plans to family or friends, as much as 75 percent of the value can be lost to estate and income taxes. When you name the Legal Aid Justice Center as the beneficiary of some or all of your account assets, you ensure that your gift goes tax-free to support the work you believe in.
Appreciated Securities
A gift of appreciated securities such as stocks, mutual funds, or bonds may provide you with benefits such as reduced capital-gains taxes.
Life Insurance
You can make a gift of an existing life insurance policy and name the Legal Aid Justice Center as the beneficiary of the policy, or use life insurance to replace the value of gifts you make to the Legal Aid Justice Center.
