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Forever
Friends is a group of
Woodford Humane Society supporters who have made a lasting
commitment to helping homeless animals by making a planned gift.
This legacy club is a means for us to recognize their profound
contribution to our future.
Many
people believe that the only way to support the Woodford Humane
Society financially is through outright gifts of cash or
property that they currently have. While current donations are
indeed vital to our survival, they are not the only way to give.
Planned Giving is a unique and often overlooked tool that not
only allows you to ensure that our work will continue into the
future, but also helps you fulfill your charitable and giving
objectives.
How
do I make a planned gift to the Woodford Humane Society?
It’s easy. The
simplest way is through a gift in a will or a living trust.
If you are considering making a provision for the work of
the Woodford Humane Society in your estate planning, and
would like to share this information with us, it will, of
course, be treated as strictly confidential.
Besides a bequest, there are
other options that can provide you with tax benefits while
also helping the animals. A planned gift may increase your
current income or provide additional retirement income,
while reducing your taxes. It is important to explore your
options with your attorney or financial planner so that both
you and the animals receive the full benefit of any
considered gift.
Examples of
Planned Giving
The
Four P's of Planning
An estimated
70% of Americans do not have an estate plan. But, estate
planning can be easy and inexpensive if you start by
following the Four P’s of Planning:
People:
List everyone you
would like to benefit from your assets: family, friends, and
charitable organizations such as the Woodford Humane
Society.
Property:
Next, list all of
your worldly possessions, including assets such as your
home, life insurance, retirement funds and property.
Plan:
Outline your estate
distribution plan. Who should benefit, and what portion of
your assets would you like each of them to receive?
Planners:
Finally, identify planners who can advise you. This
includes tax attorneys, accountants or financial
consultants.
Must I have a
large estate in order to make a gift?
Not at all. Anyone can leave
a gift. "Estate" is simply a word used to describe
money or property that you own at the time of your death.
Some Important Facts
An
estate
is everything you own at the time of your death.
An
executor
is the person you appoint in your will or trust to see that your
wishes and instructions are carried out after your death.
An
administrator
is a person who is appointed by the court to settle your affairs
if you die without leaving a will or trust, or if the named
executor does not act.
Inheritance
is the process by which your possessions are passed on to your
family after your death.
Intestate
is the name for the situation that arises when someone dies
without making a valid will or trust. The law then decides how
your possessions will be distributed.
A
bequest
is a gift by will or trust of personal property such as cash,
securities or other tangible property.
A
beneficiary
is an individual or organization who is to receive something from
your will or trust.
A
codicil
is a change or addition to your existing will or trust.
Chattel
is your furniture, car and personal possessions.
A
deferred
gift is a gift that is made now although the
organization does not reeive the benefit until some time in the
future.
The
Heart of It All
The
Woodford Humane Society is a non-profit animal adoption center in
Versailles, Kentucky. We care for the homeless and unwanted
animals in Woodford County and surrounding counties, as well as
animals from other states. We have welcomed thousands of animals
since 1975 and strive to find good loving homes for every one of
them. We never set a time limit on how long a pet can stay with
us, and we do everything in our power to make their stay with us
enriching and comfortable.
With
no government funding, we are completely dependent on private
contributions to continue to provide care to more than a thousand
animals every year. Since 2007 we have placed more than 90% of our
pets into their forever homes (the national average for groups
like ours is around 25%).
Our
mission is to promote the well-being of animals through SAVE: Spay/neuter,
Adopt, Volunteer
and Educate.
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"For me, the Woodford Humane Society was the logical
choice!....If you love animals, any amount you can donate
through your will is certain to be of great help."
~ Deb W, a Forever Friend
Carol W. passed
away in 2007 but had made sure to include the Woodford Humane
Society in her will. Her longtime friend Tim says "Carol
would say 'every little bit helps....I know her goodwill lives
on.'"
Margaret P.
provided for the animals in her will and her executor shares "Margaret
appreciated so very much the work of the Woodford Humane Society
in caring for all of her 'four legged friends.'"
As Trustee for
her cousin's estate, Sharon K. had to select a charity to
receive a portion of Margaret B.'s estate. Sharon selected the
Woodford Humane Society, saying "Margaret,
my cousin, had always loved dogs...she knew that I was an animal
lover."
Ruth H. asked
her trusted adviser for a recommendation of a charity that would
make good use of the bulk of her estate when she died. Her
adviser recommended the Woodford Humane Society, as they were
both aware of our reputation as good stewards of funds entrusted
to us.
To become a Forever
Friend, you can download and mail in this Statement
of Intent, or simply contact Diane Baker, Executive Director
by email or
859.361.7062.
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