A Pie Analogy for Giving

Picture your estate as a pie. When you decide whom you want to share it with, you can cut big slices, little slices or somewhere in between.

We talk to many supporters of the Salk Institute who worry that leaving a gift in their will to the Salk Institute may jeopardize their family’s well-being. The pie analogy comes in handy. You dictate the serving sizes. You can ensure that your loved ones get the biggest portion of your estate. You can also make sure your family gets served first.

Here is how:

Instead of a fixed amount, consider leaving the Salk Institute a percentage of your estate or of specific assets. That way, your charitable gift will adjust according to future circumstances, and gifts to loved ones will remain proportional—no matter how your estate fluctuates. Here are two ways to do it:

1. Gift a percentage of your estate to the Salk Institute in your will.
2. Leave the Salk Institute a percentage of your residual estate (the portion of your estate that remains after all gifts and bequests have been made and all claims of the estate are satisfied).

The great thing about gifts from your will is that they are flexible: You can change your mind at any time. Just know that whatever you settle on, a gift to the Salk Institute does not have to be large—every slice makes a difference.

Save a Slice for the Salk Institute

Even a small piece of your estate makes an impact. Contact Dacia Samilo at (858) 453-4100 x2068 or dsamilo@salk.edu to learn more about supporting the Salk Institute while serving family first.