Can I name a charity as a life insurance beneficiary?

Yes, naming a charity as a life insurance beneficiary is a simple and popular way to leave a legacy gift. You can name the charity as a full or partial beneficiary, or split the benefit across people and one or more organizations by percentage. The gift passes outside probate directly to the charity, and because it is a death benefit it generally does not create income tax for the charity. Some donors go further and either donate an existing policy or take out a new one with the charity as owner and beneficiary, which can produce a current income-tax deduction; naming a charity merely as beneficiary does not. Confirm the organization's exact legal name and tax ID on the form so the proceeds reach the right entity.