Support Audubon >Planned Giving

Bequests
(Complete gift description)

Many people who share Audubon’s commitment to protecting our natural world tell us that they would like to support Audubon’s efforts but feel that cannot afford to make a significant gift. Including a bequest in your will or revocable Trust is an excellent way to support Audubon’s work without taking away from your current needs. If you have not already done so, please consider including a provision for Audubon Society in your will or revocable trust.

If you do include Audubon in your estate plans, please take a few minutes to notify us that you have done so. We would be happy to enroll you as amember of the George Bird Grinnell Society – a group of Audubon friends who have invested in our future. As a member you will receive Audubon’s Annual Report, special “insider” updates on Audubon programs, and invitations to board meetings and other special events. We promise that your notification will not result in additional solicitations, and that it will be treated confidentially.

What are the advantages of making a bequest?

• It is not payable until death, so it does not affect your assets or detract from your current needs.
• It is private – your will is not filed or made public until your death, and
• It is revocable – you can change the provisions in your will or trust at any time until death.

What is the best way to include Audubon in my will?

When including a provision for us in your will, you will want to make sure that your intention is stated clearly and that you have our correct name and address. We suggest that you or your adviser call us before finalizing your will or trust document to be sure that your intentions are clearly expressed and that you include Audubon’s correct legal name and address.

Here are some of your options:

• How will your gift be used: If you do not designate a specific Audubon program, your bequest will be used to fund Audubon’s highest priority conservation and education programs at the time we receive your bequest. You may instruct Audubon to apply your gift to one of its state offices, to a specific Audubon center, or to a specific program such as Audubon Science or public policy.
• How to make your gift a source of permanent support: You may instruct Audubon to apply your bequest to our permanent endowment. If your gift is applied to our endowment it will be invested to earn income and only the income will be used to support Audubon’s programs in perpetuity.
• What form should your gift take: Most people find that the best way to make a bequest to Audubon is to designate a specific percentage of their estate. Alternatively, you can state a specific dollar amount. Some people include a contingent bequest which benefits Audubon only if their primary beneficiary does not survive them.
• What asset should you use: You can give almost any kind of asset through your will, including cash, securities, real property, tangible personal property (such as works of art or antiques) or the remainder of your IRA, Keogh, tax-sheltered annuity, qualified pension or profit-sharing plan. If you plan to leave real or tangible property, we urge you to contact our office to discuss your intentions before finalizing your will.

Will my gift be deductible?

A charitable bequest or trust distribution is deductible for federal estate tax purposes, and there is no limit on the deduction your estate can claim. In addition, the gift is usually exempt from state inheritance taxes.

What if I've already written my will or trust?

You can amend a will or trust to make a gift without rewriting the entire document. Your attorney can prepare the simple statement, called a codicil, that adds a new bequest to Audubon while reaffirming the other terms of your will. Similarly, he or she can prepare an amendment to your revocable trust to add Audubon as a beneficiary.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A will is your instruction manual to your survivors about how you want your property distributed. It's a revocable, private document that only takes effect after your death.

A revocable trust (sometimes called a living trust) is a legal entity that holds assets during your lifetime, then transfers ownership of them — or benefit from them — upon your death. Unlike a will, a trust must take title to assets before it can pass them to your survivors.

There is no difference between wills and revocable trusts in how transfers from them are taxed. In some states, however, the probate and distribution process is simpler with a revocable trust. Your advisors can guide you in choosing which vehicle will work better for you.

For more information

Email us, complete the personal illustration form, or call us at 212-979-3033 so that we can assist you through every step of the process.

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