Legacy Society
How it Works
By including Shakespeare Animal Fund in your will, you will be able to continue providing life-saving veterinary care for animals who otherwise would have to suffer and die, simply because their owners had no funds to help. You can make your bequest for a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or specific assets from your estate. Bequests, like other gifts, can be designated for many purposes or given without restriction. At Shakespeare Animal Fund we are pledged to focus our energies on your wishes and needs.
Your first step, once you decide to leave a gift, is to contact your attorney to help you draw up your will. Your attorney will need to know our legal name which is Shakespeare Animal Fund. We are a non-profit charitable organization (EIN number is 41-2182628). Our 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code provides a tax saving for you and your estate.
The Percentage Bequest
A percentage bequest is a bequest of a certain percentage of your estate or of another asset. An example of a percentage bequest might be providing that, upon your death, your house be sold and that each of your three children receive one-third of the net proceeds. You designate that a specific percentage, anywhere from 1-100% of your estate, is left to Shakespeare Animal Fund. The greatest advantage of this structure is that, as your estate increases in value over time, your gift will keep pace and your support for Shakespeare Animal Fund will grow. "I give, bequeath, and devise (state percentage amount) to Shakespeare Animal Fund, a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable institution, to be used to provide animals the life-saving veterinary care they need when their owners can’t afford it."
The Residual Bequest
A residual bequest is a bequest of all or a portion of the remainder or residue of your estate after specific and other bequests have been distributed. An example of this type of bequest might be providing that everything that remains after all previous bequests have been satisfied should be given to Shakespeare Animal Fund. By naming Shakespeare Animal Fund as the beneficiary of this residue, you simplify the probate process. "I give, bequeath, and devise (all, or state percentage or shares) of the rest, residue, and remainder of property, both real and personal, wherever situated, which I may own or be entitled to at my death, to Shakespeare Animal Fund, a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable institution, to be used to provide animals the life-saving veterinary care they need when their owners can’t afford it."
The Specific Bequest
A specific bequest is a bequest for a specific item or dollar amount. An example of a specific bequest might be providing that your tennis ball autographed by Roger Federer be given to your granddaughter Sarah, at your death. "I give, bequeath, and devise (state amount or item) to Shakespeare Animal Fund., a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable institution, to be used to provide animals the life-saving veterinary care they need when their owners can’t afford it."
There are three main types of bequests: percentage, residual and specific.
Your charitable bequest or intent to bequest will gain you entry into the
Shakespeare Animal Fund Legacy Society.
We are grateful to supporters who have already advised us of their intentions to provide for the animals by naming Shakespeare Animal Fund in their wills and honor them with membership in the
Shakespeare Animal Fund Legacy Society.
Shakespeare Animal Fund
shakespeareanimalfund.org
IRS designated 501(c)(3) charity – EIN: 41-2182628