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Leave a Lasting Legacy

Make a plan to include Cedar Lane in your will or trust

At Cedar Lane, we trust in the power of love to heal, to transform, and to endure.

We’ve inherited a legacy shaped by those who came before us—people who dreamed of a more compassionate, interconnected, and just world, and who built this community with that dream in mind. Their vision and generosity made Cedar Lane what it is today. Now it’s our turn.

A legacy gift is not just a financial choice—it’s a way of saying:

This community matters.

These values matter.

The future matters.

By including Cedar Lane in your estate plans, you help carry our mission forward. You make it possible for the next generation—and those who follow—to gather here, to grow in spirit, and to be part of something larger than themselves.

There are many ways to leave a legacy. All of them help ensure that love, justice, and community will continue to have a home here.

Let your values carry on.

Let your love bless the future.

Ways to Give

Please consult your estate planning lawyer and financial advisor for specific information and options that would apply to your situation. There are many meaningful ways to leave a legacy gift to Cedar Lane—each one helping to ensure that our mission continues to thrive for generations to come.

Bequests in a Will or Trust: One of the simplest and most flexible ways to make a legacy gift. Include a provision in your will or trust to leave a percentage or specific amount to Cedar Lane. It’s a way to support the congregation’s future while still taking care of your loved ones.

Beneficiary Designations: Name Cedar Lane as a beneficiary of all or portion of an IRA, retirement plan, life insurance policy, donor-advised fund, or annuity. This is an easy way to leave a legacy without changing your will.

IRA Gifts During Lifetime: If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift directly from your IRA to Cedar Lane. This kind of gift, called a Qualified Charitable Distribution, can count toward your required minimum distribution and reduce your taxable income. You might choose to pay your pledge with a QCD or to transfer an additional amount to support Cedar Lane right now.

Donor-Advised Funds: Establish a donor-advised fund, contributing cash or appreciated securities for an immediate tax deduction while designating future grants from the DAF to the Congregation (and/or other charities).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is making a legacy gift important for Cedar Lane?

Legacy gifts support the long-term financial sustainability of Cedar Lane. By contributing to the Congregation in this way, your gift ensures that future generations can benefit from Cedar Lane’s programs, spiritual growth opportunities, religious education, social justice work, and our facilities.

The Legacy Society is our way of recognizing individuals, anonymously or by name, who have committed to give, or have already given, a portion of their estate to Cedar Lane.

Yes, definitely! You could name Cedar Lane as a beneficiary for all or a portion of a retirement asset like an IRA, life insurance policy, or annuity. There are a number of other methods to make a legacy gift and your financial advisor can provide you with options.

No, legacy gifts of all sizes make a meaningful impact. Every gift ensures that Cedar Lane will continue to thrive for future generations.

Yes, Cedar Lane has specific needs in our operational and capital budgets that would benefit from your gifts. We also have an Endowment Fund, which sets aside gifts for future needs. A conversation with Jen Morley will help clarify your options.

Some types of gifts can provide financial benefits, including tax deductions and the flexibility to retain control over your assets during your lifetime. Additionally, other types of planned gifts, such as charitable trusts or annuities, offer you a current income stream for life, while leaving a lasting legacy to Cedar Lane after your death.

Ready to Proceed?

Next Steps

Reflect on how Cedar Lane has made a difference in your life and in the community. Talk with a family member, partner, or spouse. Discuss your options with your financial planner.

Bring questions to Jen Morley at jmorley@cedarlane.org or 301-493-8300 ext. 209. All conversations will be confidential.

When you are ready, complete the statement of intent for your legacy gift.
Let Us Know Your Plan

Sliding Scale Options

suggested love offering of $20 / seat

Sliding Scale Guide

We know it can be complicated to decide how much to pay, and there’s no one right answer for anyone. Many thanks to UU@UN for providing an equitable model for payments.

Consider paying at a lower tier if many of these are true for you:

  • I am directly affected by environmental racism.
  • I have immigration-related expenses.
  • I’m supporting children or have other dependents.
  • I have significant debt.
  • I have medical expenses not covered by insurance.
  • I receive public assistance.
  • I am an elder with limited financial support.
  • I am an unpaid community organizer.
  • I have been denied work due to incarceration history.
  • I would need to budget in order to afford a $25 expense.

Consider paying at a higher tier if multiple of these are true for you:

  • I or my family owns the home I live in.
  • I have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money.
  • I can travel recreationally.
  • I have access to family money and resources in times of need.
  • I work part time by choice.
  • I have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education, gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.
  • In terms of its impact on my lifestyle (e.g. my ability to pay this month’s bills), $50 means functionally about the same as $15. My bank account would look pretty much the same either way.


A reflection from Pronoia Coaching:

When I pay more, I know that I am helping others to access the event.

When I pay in the middle, I know I am helping the organizers cover costs.

And when I pay less, I know I am letting my community hold me and support me.

All of these are wonderful and acceptable ways of participating.