Leave a Legacy for Birding
Including the American Birding Association in your estate plans is a wonderful way to make a lasting difference for the birding community.
A charitable bequest can be a meaningful way to support the ABA’s work for generations to come without giving up access to the assets you rely on during your lifetime. For many people, it can be as simple as adding a provision to an existing estate plan.
Please consider including the American Birding Association in your will or revocable trust.
Why consider a bequest to the ABA?
A planned gift may be right for you if you:
- Want to help ensure the ABA remains strong and sustainable for future generations of birders.
- Believe in the long-term importance of knowledge, shared experiences, and community.
- Want to make a meaningful gift without affecting the assets you need during your lifetime.
- Appreciate the flexibility of a gift that can be changed if your circumstances or wishes change.
- Want to leave a lasting legacy for birding and the community and birds that inspire us.
The benefits of a charitable bequest
A gift through your will or revocable trust can offer several benefits:
- Retain control of your assets. You continue to have full use of your assets during your lifetime.
- Maintain flexibility. Because a bequest is revocable, you can change your plans if your circumstances change.
- Make a larger future gift. A bequest allows you to give from your estate rather than your current income and may make a more significant contribution possible.
- Receive potential tax benefits. Charitable bequests are generally deductible for federal estate tax purposes, subject to applicable law.
- Create a lasting legacy. Your gift can help strengthen the ABA and support the future of birding for years to come.
Your estate plan is a personal matter, and you do not need to disclose your plans to the ABA. If you do choose to tell us about your future gift, however, we would be honored to thank you and recognize your commitment to the ABA’s future. To do so, please fill out this form and email a copy to giving@aba.org or mail to:
PO Box 3070
Colorado Springs, CO 80934
Invest in the ABA’s Future
Planned giving does not have to be complicated, and it is not only for people with significant wealth. For many donors, a charitable bequest can be one of the simplest ways to make a lasting commitment to an organization they care about.
If you already have a will or revocable trust, you may be able to add the ABA without changing the rest of your estate plan. If you are creating an estate plan for the first time, you can work with your attorney or other professional adviser to determine what approach is right for you.
Sample Bequest Language
The following examples are provided for informational purposes. Please consult your attorney or other qualified adviser when preparing or updating your estate documents.
Unrestricted Bequest
A gift that allows the ABA to use your bequest where it is needed most.
I give to the American Birding Association, PO Box 3070 Colorado Springs, CO 80934, Tax ID 74-2347314, the sum of $__________ to be used for its general purposes.
Residuary Bequest
A gift of all or a percentage of what remains of your estate after other bequests and expenses have been paid.
I give to the American Birding Association, PO Box 3070 Colorado Springs, CO 80934, Tax ID 74-2347314, ______% of the residue of my estate to be used for its general purposes.
Contingent Bequest
A gift that takes effect only if another beneficiary is unable to receive your intended gift.
In the event that ____________________ predeceases me, I give his/her bequest or share to the American Birding Association, PO Box 3070 Colorado Springs, CO 80934, Tax ID 74-2347314, to be used for its general purposes.
You may also choose to designate a specific percentage of your estate or a particular asset rather than a specific dollar amount.
Questions about planned giving?
We would be happy to talk with you about including the ABA in your long-term plans. You can also let us know if you have already included the ABA in your will or trust. Sharing your plans is entirely optional, but it allows us to thank you for your generosity and make sure we understand and honor your wishes.
Contact Maggie FitzGibbon, Director of Membership and Development
giving@aba.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to include the ABA in my will or trust?
When including the ABA in your estate plan, please use our full legal name: American Birding Association. You may also want to include our tax identification number: 74-2347314.
We encourage you or your adviser to contact us before finalizing your documents so we can confirm that you have the most current organizational information.
How will my gift be used?
When planning a gift that may not be realized for many years, you may wish to leave your bequest unrestricted. An unrestricted gift gives the ABA’s Board of Directors the flexibility to respond to the needs and opportunities of the future.
If you prefer to designate your gift for a specific purpose, we recommend consulting with the ABA before finalizing your estate documents. Your adviser can help you create language that reflects your wishes while allowing for circumstances in which a particular program or purpose may change over time.
What assets can I use for a bequest?
You can leave many different types of assets to the ABA through your estate plan, including cash, securities, real estate, or retirement plan assets such as an IRA, 401(k), qualified pension, or profit-sharing plan.
If you don’t have a specific asset in mind, you may choose to designate a percentage of your estate or a portion of the remainder of your estate.
Will my gift be tax deductible?
Charitable bequests to qualified charitable organizations are generally deductible for federal estate tax purposes, subject to applicable law. Your estate planning and tax circumstances are unique, so we recommend consulting your attorney, tax professional, or financial adviser for guidance.
What if I already have a will or trust?
You do not necessarily need to rewrite your entire estate plan to include the ABA.
Depending on your circumstances, your attorney may be able to add a bequest through a codicil to your will or amend your revocable trust. Your attorney can advise you on the approach that is appropriate for your situation.
What is the difference between a will and a revocable trust?
A will is a legal document that directs how your assets should be distributed after your death. A revocable trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to place assets in a trust during your lifetime and provides instructions for how those assets should be managed and distributed.
There can be important differences in how wills and trusts are administered, including the probate process, and the right choice depends on your individual circumstances. Your attorney or other professional adviser can help you determine which approach is best for you.
What if I have already included the ABA in my estate plans?
Thank you! We are deeply grateful that you have chosen to include the ABA in your long-term plans.
If you are comfortable doing so, please let us know by filling out this form and sending it to giving@aba.org or mailing it to PO Box 3070 Colorado Springs, CO 80934 . Sharing your plans allows us to thank you for your generosity, keep a record of your intentions, and recognize your commitment to the future of the ABA.
Your plans remain personal and confidential.
