Legacy Giving
A lasting impact – When you leave a little behind, you ensure BPZOO continues to protect wild animals, connect children to nature, and contribute to the vitality of the SouthCoast region for generations to come.
Death. No one likes to talk about it – which is why more than half of Americans do not have wills. When you die without a little advance planning, the assets you leave behind may not be distributed as you hope, and more of them may go to taxes.
A simple will, a bit of planning, and you can leave a legacy that has lasting impact. All bequests and legacies, unless otherwise stipulated by the donor, are placed in an endowment fund – ensuring that your contribution lives on. Forever. If you have included Buttonwood Park Zoological Society in your estate, or are interested in doing so, would you let us know? We’d like to invite you to join our Guardian Society and acknowledge your thoughtful concern for the future.
Any inquiry regarding how to make a gift through your estate places you under no obligation and will be held in strict confidence. If we may be of assistance to you or your attorney, tax adviser, or stockbroker, please let us know.
Questions? Contact Katie Sherman at 508.991.4556 x119
Gifts That Can Support Your Personal and Financial Objectives:
Charitable Bequests
Leaving a gift in your will is simple and easy. The following language may be helpful to you and your attorney: I give and bequeath the sum of $ ________ (or _______% of my estate) to Buttonwood Park Zoological Society to be used in support of its general charitable purposes.
Charitable Gift Annuities
A gift annuity provides the donor a fixed income stream for life, along with certain tax advantages, in exchange for a sizeable donation to charity.
Charitable Trusts
A Charitable Trust is a legal trust that has a charitable beneficiary. In a Charitable Remainder Trust, income goes to a beneficiary of the donor’s choosing (such as a family member). After a stipulated period, what remains in the trust will go to the donor’s designated charity. In a Charitable Lead Trust, the opposite is true. Trusts are particularly useful for assets that have appreciated in value and for managing capital gains and gift taxes.
Gifts of Life Insurance
Another way to leave a legacy is to name The Buttonwood Park Zoological Society as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. This can be done with either a new or existing policy.
Retirement Funds and Other Investments
Many retirement plans have deferred tax benefits for accumulating assets but at death may be subject to both income and estate taxes. Without planning, over 60% of the value of your tax-deferred accounts may go to the government. Gifting these accounts makes use of the full value of the assets.
Qualified Charitable Distributions
A direct transfer of funds from your IRA custodian to Buttonwood Park Zoo. The distribution can be counted toward your required minimum distribution and is not taxable – even if you no longer itemize.
Questions?
For more information about Buttonwood Park Zoological Society’s Planned Giving Program, please contact Katie Sherman at 508.991.4556 x119 or ksherman@bpzoo.org.
This material is for informational purposes only. Please discuss your estate planning with a financial advisor or attorney.
