Planned Giving
A planned gift to the Dakin Humane Society makes a powerful impact on our ability to maintain and expand adoption, education, and veterinary services for our region’s companion animals and their caregivers. Planned or deferred gifts can take many forms: life insurance proceeds, a portion of an estate, or income from a trust. Each type of planned gift provides unique tax benefits to the donor and his or her beneficiaries. Planned gifts should be made with the advice of your professional counsel.
Sample Wording for Legacies and Bequests to the Dakin Humane Society
Unrestricted Bequest
I bequeath to Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Inc. (DPVHS, Inc.) whose Dakin Humane Society is located at 163 Montague Road, Leverett, Massachusetts, 01054, and 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105, the sum of $____________ or __________% of my residuary estate (or an accurate description of securities, real estate or other property given) to be used for the general purposes of the said organization.
Restricted Bequest
I bequeath to Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Inc. (DPVHS, Inc.), whose Dakin Humane Society is located at 163 Montague Road, Leverett, Massachusetts, 01054, and 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105, the sum of $____________ or __________% of my residuary estate (or an accurate description of securities, real estate or other property given). This gift shall be used for __________ (here describe in broad general terms the desired purpose or division).
Escape Clause
In the case of a restricted gift it is wise to include a saving or escape clause so that your gift can continue to be useful to Dakin if conditions change in a way that would nullify or make impractical the original purpose.
If, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of Dakin, all or part of the remainder of this bequest cannot be usefully applied to the above purpose, they may use the same for any purpose within the general powers of the organization which in their opinion will most nearly accomplish my wishes and purposes.
Contingent Bequest
A contingent bequest provides first for family and friends. It benefits Dakin only if other heirs do not survive.
"If any of the above named beneficiaries should predecease me, then I bequeath to Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Inc., whose Dakin Humane Society is located at 163 Montague Road, Leverett, Massachusetts, 01054, and 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105, all property, real or personal, which said beneficiary or beneficiaries would have received if said beneficiary or beneficiaries would have survived me."
Animal Care Provision
We recommend that you make provisions to re-home your companion animals following your death with appropriate friends and family. An animal shelter should be a last resort for placement of surviving animals.
Should you need assistance from Dakin adoption centers in placing your companions after your death, you may consider the following wording: “In return for the humane care, relocation and resolution of any animal belonging to me at my death, I hereby bequeath a gift or additional gift to Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, Inc., whose Dakin Humane Society is located at 163 Montague Road, Leverett, Massachusetts, 01054, and 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105, (here describe the details of the gift and any specific desires for the animal[s]).”
Please note that while Dakin is able to re-home the vast majority of the animals in our care, we are unable to guarantee the placement of any animal, particular those with histories of aggression or serious illness.
Consider speaking to your estate planner about a “Pet Trust” that would provide financial support for your companion animal in whatever home he resides after your death.
Testamentary Trust
Declares that part or all of an estate be left in trust, with the income or some stated amount to be paid to one or more beneficiaries. Upon the death of the surviving beneficiaries, the principal will be paid to Dakin Humane Society.
Other Trust Information
Individually managed trusts whose yields provide for the donor or other beneficiaries for life or for a stated time and also benefit Dakin Humane Society, vary widely in planning and wording.