Bequest Benefits Madison Library Foundation

Recent news articles announced that the Madison Library Foundation received a bequest of $3.5 million from a former Wisconsin State Journal news reporter. While the news of such a gift is wonderful (I am a frequent user of the library as well as my husband and young children), however, the attorney in me wonders -- does such a large gift make others not give? News stories seem to focus on large, grand donations. But what about the small ones the occur far more frequently? One of the favorite aspects of my job is including non-profits in a client's will, usually as a contingent beneficiary. Remember, one need not be a Rockefeller or Kennedy to make a non-profit's day. In today's economy any gift is appreciated.