1. Think about the nonprofit group or cause you'd most like to help. Maybe you or someone you know has benefited from the services of a particular organization. Maybe you're an active volunteer or believer in the mission of an organization. You might want to leave a gift in memory of a loved one or for a specific use.

2. If you need more information, call the nonprofit group of your choice. They can tell you more about what they do, what opportunities are available for giving and how your gift will allow it to continue its mission. Be sure to get their legal name, address, and tax ID number to share with your attorney.

3. You may want to review the list of Leave a Legacy Nonprofit Partners as a sampling of nonprofit organizations in Western Washington.

4. Be sure to see qualified legal counsel when you are ready
to develop a new will or trust. An advisor can make sure you are getting the maximum tax and legal advantages allowed for your gift. If you do not have one and need a referral, check the attorney referrals below.

Attorney Referrals:
o Clark/Cowlitz County Lawyer Referral Service (360) 695-0599
o King County Bar Lawyer Referral Service (206) 623-2551
o Kitsap County Lawyer Referral Service (360) 373-2426
o Lewis County Lawyer Referral Service (360) 748-0430
o Pierce County Lawyer Referral Service (253) 383-3432
o Snohomish County Lawyer Referral Service (425) 388-3056
o Thurston County Lawyer Referral Service (360) 923-4844

You may call the Washington Bar Association to request a background check for any attorney you choose in Washington. (800) 945-9722. You may also want to check the Estate Planning Council of Seattle, www.epcseattle.org or the Tacoma Estate Planning Council, www.tacomaestateplanning.com ,for a listing of area estate planning professionals.

CPA's with a specialty in financial/estate planning:
o Washington Society of CPAs (425-586-1124)www.wscpa.org
o American Institute of CPAs (888-999-9256) www.cpapfs.org

Financial Planners:
o Financial Planning Association, 800-647-6340, http://www.fpanet.org
o National Association of Personal Financial Advisers (888-333-6659)

o SEC (800-732-0330) www.sec.gov
o North American Securities Administrators Associations to check on your adviser. www.nasaa.org
o National Association of Securities Dealers Regulation (206-624-0790) to check on your broker. www.nasdr.com