Wills and Trusts: The Cornerstone of Your Legacy
A bequest through your will or revocable living trust is the simplest and most flexible way to make a lasting impact on brain health. By naming Barrow Neurological Foundation as a beneficiary, you ensure that future generations benefit from world-class research without affecting your cash flow or lifestyle today.
For example, when Charles Barrow decided to give his name and $500,000 to create Barrow Neurological Institute, he did it in honor of the outstanding care that his wife had received from surgeons, doctors, nurses, and staff members after she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He believed Arizona could become a destination and hub for neuroscience.
More than 60 years later, his legacy continues on at Barrow Neurological Institute through the physicians, researchers, and clinicians who work tirelessly every day to find new treatments and cures for neurological diseases, train the next generation of neuroscience specialists, and provide compassionate patient care.
Why a Bequest to Barrow?
Leaving a legacy gift to Barrow Neurological Foundation through an estate plan, trust, or will is easy, and many donors find great joy in knowing their assets will support an important cause after they no longer need them. Another benefit of making a gift through an estate plan is that your health care needs and other expenses are taken care of before the gift is made.
Common Types of Bequests
Most donors choose one of the following three ways to structure their legacy gift:
| Bequest Type | How it Works | Why Choose It? |
| Partial Beneficiary | Whether you have a large estate or a small estate, all gifts make a real difference in advancing neuroscience research. | Ensures the gift scales with the size of your estate |
| Specific Bequest | Make a meaningful impact with assets that you no longer need. | You can ensure that all of your health care and other living expenses are addressed before making your gift. |
| Contingent Beneficiary | Only takes effect if your primary beneficiaries predecease you. | Acts as a safety net for your legacy. |
Copy and Paste: Sample Bequest Language
For a General Gift:
I hereby give to Barrow Neurological Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation located in Phoenix, Arizona, _______ dollars/percentage to be used for general use and purpose. Federal Tax ID #: 86-0174371.
Directing Your Gift to a Specific Area
While unrestricted gifts are the most helpful for addressing the Institute’s most pressing needs, you may also designate your gift to a specific center or program, including:
- Gregory W. Fulton ALS and Neuromuscular Disease Center
- Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program
- Barrow Aneurysm and AVM Research Center
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center
- Brain Injury and Sports Neurology Center
- ENT & Skull Base Surgery
- Epilepsy Center
- Lewis Headache Center
- Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
- Neurocritical Care Program
- Neuro-Rehabilitation Center
- Neuroscience Nursing
- Pituitary Center
- Sleep Disorders Program
- Sonntag Spine Center
- Petznick Stroke Center
- Thurston Innovation Center
2026 Estate Tax Considerations
For the 2026 tax year, being mindful of the Estate Tax Exemption is critical. A charitable bequest to Barrow Neurological Foundation qualifies for an unlimited estate tax deduction, which can significantly reduce the tax burden on your heirs if your estate exceeds the federal threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Foundation’s official legal name?
The official name for all legal documents is Barrow Neurological Foundation.
Can I update my existing will without rewriting it?
Yes. You can often add a codicil (a simple amendment) to your current will to include a charitable gift. Your attorney can provide a short document to accomplish this.
Is there a minimum amount for a bequest?
No. Every gift, regardless of size, helps fund the next breakthrough.
Take the Next Step in Your Philanthropic Journey
Ready to explore which planned giving vehicle is right for you?
- Explore Our Technical Guides: For detailed gift descriptions, interactive calculation tools, and expert assistance, visit our dedicated gift planning portal at barrow.mygiftlegacy.org.
- Request a Personalized Illustration: See exactly how a gift would look for your tax bracket and estate plan. Contact our Philanthropy Officers today at (602) 406-3041.
- Join the Legacy Society: If you have already included Barrow in your will or trust, please let us know. We would love to thank you today and ensure your gift is directed exactly where you want it to make the most impact.
100% of every donation goes directly to research and care. Tax ID #: 86-0174371.
