Question

We need to know if our Local Spiritual Assembly can be named as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy. According to what we find in Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities and on our website, all references state the National Spiritual Assembly as a beneficiary, but there is reference to making bequests to the Baha'i Faith. A beneficiary life insurance form found under 'Planned Giving' only cites the NSA, with it's EIN number noted.

Answer

Local Assemblies are legally recognized institutions, and the friends are free to name any Local Spiritual Assembly as a life insurance beneficiary. The name of your Assembly should appear on the policy as the “Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of ___________.”  Also, if you don't know, please check to see if your Assembly has an EIN number. You may wish to make a note of this number for your records.