How to Donate Cemetery Plots

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Perhaps you have purchased a cemetery plot and no longer want it. Maybe you've moved far away from that cemetery or have decided on other arrangements. Your unwanted plot could help people in need. Plots are expensive, and many families cannot afford them. When a person dies before his or her time, such as in cases of homicide, the last thing the family wants to have to bear is the cost of a burial. Fortunately, there are many organizations available for people to be able to receive a donated cemetery plot, including Homicide Survivors Inc., the Jewish Cemetery Association of Massachusetts, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

1 Decide which charity organization

Decide which charity organization you want to donate the cemetery plot to. If you have moved away, it's best to pick an organization in the community where the plot is. Most organizations that handle donated plots will offer those plots only to people in their service area.

2 Make a copy

Make a copy of the deed for the cemetery plot for your records. You will need to mail the original deed to the charity organization.

3 Write a letter

Write a letter indicating that you are donating the plot. The letter will need to include your full name and address and the reason why you are donating. Have the letter notarized. Make a copy for your records.

4 Send the deed and letter and by Certified Mail

Send the deed and letter by Certified Mail. This will give you proof that the documentation was received.

5 Expect a letter back from the charity organization

Expect a letter back from the charity organization. The letter should thank you for the donation as well as include information that you will need to claim the donation as a tax deduction.

Laura Hageman has written varied articles on real estate to entertainment topics for the past three years. Hageman wrote a romantic comedy novel entitled Her Desire listed on ebookmall.com. She has written for Web sites such as CurrentForeclosures and Triond over the course of 7 years. Hageman holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts.

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