Your Will—A Gift After Your Lifetime
Have you ever wondered how you can continue to help others now and in the future? Your legacy of dollars, real or personal property, stocks & bonds, insurance, and other gifts can dramatically improve the lives of thousands of animals and enhance the quality of life of those who adopt them.
A bequest to the Willamette Humane Society is a beautiful way to express your support and commitment to pets and people as part of your legacy. Without a will, after your death, your property will be distributed by the laws of your state without regard to your personal wishes. Preparing your will insures that your assets are passed on according to your wishes.
The last opportunity you have to communicate with your family is through your estate plan. It tells your loved ones and the community what was important to you and how you want to be remembered. Many of our friends have donated property, insurance, stocks and bonds, and estate dollars to Willamette Humane Society.
Types of Gifts You May Give
Bequests
A bequest may be in the form of cash, real estate, a percentage of your estate, life insurance policies, or annuities. (Please consult a professional for assistance on this option)
Charitable Trusts
With their combination of charitable support, income to one or more beneficiaries and tax savings, Charitable Trusts are useful in estate planning. This may the option for you if you are looking to reduce your capital gains tax. (Please consult a professional for assistance on this option)
Life Estate
Through the life estate agreement, the donor deeds the property to WHS and retains the right to continued use of the property for the rest of his/her life or the rest of a spouse’s life. At the end of the donor’s lifetime, WHS then receives full ownership of the property. (Please consult a professional for assistance on this option).
Life Insurance
A gift of a life insurance policy, with WHS named as beneficiary of the policy, can be a particularly effective way for a donor to make a gift to us. An existing policy whose original intent has ceased to exist, or a newly purchased policy could be given to Willamette Humane Society. (Please consult a professional for assistance on this option)
Humane Legacy Society
The Humane Legacy Society gives recognition, when recognition has been granted, to those who inform the shelter of their intention to include Willamette Humane Society in their estate planning. For more information on this program, please contact the Development department at 503-585-5900 ext.323.
Guardian Angel Program
This is a program for those donors who have included WHS in their estate planning to provide for their pets after they are gone. We will work to find the best possible home for your pet(s), and ensure that your best friends can live in the comfort and care they deserve.
If you would like to discuss giving options, please contact the Development Department at (503) 585-5900, ext. 660, or email .