Wildlife photographer kneeling outdoors while using a tripod-mounted telephoto camera lens to photograph animals in a natural habitat.

Easy Ways to Leave Your Legacy

BEQUESTS

Planning for the future and creating the legacy you wish to leave is one of the most effective ways to ensure a lasting impact.

By including The Wildlife Society in your will or living trust, known as a bequest, you ensure your passion for wildlife continues to make a difference for generations. Your gift not only strengthens our mission but also honors your commitment to conservation. We’re deeply grateful to those who choose to leave this kind of lasting impact. Every bequest helps us build a future where both wildlife and people thrive. Thank you for considering this meaningful way to give back.

Below is suggested language to use when working with your attorney to draft your bequest.

Sample Language:
“I give _________ (residue, percentage or specific amount) to The Wildlife Society having its principal office for its general purposes to continue its mission.”
Tax ID: 52-0788946

BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS

Many don’t realize that retirement plans, IRAs, life insurance, donor-advised funds and commercial annuities are not affected by a will. These accounts are dispersed according to beneficiary designations. The forms are often easier to update than a will, making them simple ways to support The Wildlife Society’s work and leave a legacy to empower future generations of wildlife professionals.

Retirement Plan or IRA: Typically, this is the largest source of taxable income when paid to a beneficiary. If you are considering a gift to The Wildlife Society, including The Wildlife Society as a beneficiary on taxable assets like retirement plans, may have tax advantages over gifts of other assets like stocks or real estate.

Donor Advised Funds: Making contributions during your lifetime to a donor-advised fund (DAF) can give you flexibility to recommend how much and how often money is granted to The Wildlife Society. DAFs are set up by community foundations, brokerage houses or other sponsoring organizations, allowing you to transfer cash or other assets and take an immediate charitable deduction for your gifts.

How to Make It Happen

Making The Wildlife Society the beneficiary of your retirement plan assets, IRA, life insurance or commercial annuities is easy:

Contact the institution that controls the asset for a change-of-beneficiary form. Many have the forms on their website available for download.
Decide what amount of the account value you would like The Wildlife Society to receive, between 1-100 percent.
Name The Wildlife Society as the beneficiary.
Return or submit the form as directed by the institution.
Please let us know that you have included us, so we can ensure your legacy is protected.