HELP SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF THE AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION

Many birders would like to help support the long-term future of the American Birding Association but feel they can’t afford to make that kind of gift today. A bequest by will or revocable trust CAN allow you to provide significant support for the ABA while preserving access to all of your assets during your lifetime.

Please consider including the American Birding Association in your will or revocable trust.

A bequest might be for you if…

  • You want to help ensure the ABA’s long-term viability and strength.
  • Long-term planning is more important to you than an immediate income-tax deduction.
  • You want the comfort of knowing a gift commitment is in place while retaining full control over your current assets.

Some of the benefits of a charitable bequest include…

  • You retain control over your assets during your lifetime
  • You can modify your bequest if your circumstances change
  • Your gift plan is private during your lifetime. Your will is not filed or made public until your death (for gifts made by revocable trust, there is no public filing even after your death.
  • By making a future gift from your assets rather than your income, you are likely to be able to make a more significant contribution than you would otherwise.
  • There is no limit on the estate tax deduction available for charitable bequests (the American Birding Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all gifts are fully deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our tax ID number is 74-2347314)

How to Invest in the ABA’s Future

There is a common misconception that planned giving must be complicated or that it is reserved for only those with great wealth. This is simply not the case! While complex lifetime gifts are certainly welcome, planning a deferred gift to the ABA can be as easy as adding a line to your will or revocable trust document making a bequest to the ABA.
Below are several examples of language to review with your attorney:

Unrestricted Gift: A gift that can be used where need is greatest.

I give to the American Birding Association, located at 93 Clinton Street, Delaware City, DE 19706, Tax ID 74-2347314, _______(Dollars)* to be used for its general purposes.

Residuary Bequest: Leaves any remainder after all other bequests have been paid.

I give to the American Birding Association, located at 93 Clinton Street, Delaware City, DE 19706, Tax ID 74-2347314, ________ percent of the residue of my estate to be used for its general purposes.

Contingent Gift: Takes effect only if a primary intention can’t be met.

In the event that ____________ predeceases me, I give his/her bequest or share to the American Birding Association, located at 93 Clinton Street, Delaware City, DE 19706, Tax ID 74-2347314, to be used for its general purposes.

* NOTE: Rather than leaving a sum certain, you can include language that refers to a percentage of your estate or a description of the property you wish to give.

If you have questions about planned giving or would like to talk with someone in person, please contact Wayne Klockner at wklockner@aba.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to include the American Birding Association in my will or trust? »
When including a bequest provision in your will or trust, always use our full legal name – the American Birding Association. You may also want to include our non-profit organization tax identification number: 74-2347314. It may be prudent if you or your adviser contacts us before drafting the document to ensure that the information you are including is accurate.
How will my gift be used? »
When planning a gift that may not be realized for many years, you may wish to leave your gift to be used at the discretion of our Board of Directors. By leaving your gift unrestricted, you leave open many doors of opportunity. If you are considering restricting your gift to a specific purpose, we advise that you include language that allows the ABA to use the funds in another manner in the event the purpose of your gift supports is no longer possible or appropriate. It also is helpful if you or your adviser consults with the ABA prior to finalizing your gift language to ensure that your purposes can be accomplished. Of course, the choice is entirely yours.
What asset should you I use? »
You can give almost any kind of asset through a bequest, including cash, securities, an interest in real estate (such as a residence), or a percentage/remainder of your IRA, 401-K, tax-sheltered annuity, qualified pension or profit-sharing plan. If you don’t have a specific asset in mind, the simplest approach may be to designate a percentage of your overall estate and allow your executor or trustee to select the most appropriate asset or assets.
Will my gift be deductible? »
A charitable bequest or trust distribution is deductible for federal estate tax purposes, and there is no limit on the deduction your estate can claim. In addition, the gift is usually exempt from state inheritance taxes.
What if I’ve already written my will or trust? »
You can amend a will or trust to make a gift without rewriting the entire document. Your attorney can prepare the simple statement called a codicil that adds a new bequest to us while reaffirming the other terms of your will. Similarly, he or she can prepare an amendment to your revocable trust to add the ABA as a beneficiary.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust? »
A will is your instruction manual to your survivors about how you want your property distributed. It’s a revocable, private document that only takes affect after your death.
A revocable trust (sometimes called a living trust) is a legal entity that holds assets during your lifetime, then transfers ownership of them — or benefit from them — upon your death. Unlike a will, a trust must take title to assets before it can pass them to your survivors.

There is no difference between wills and revocable trusts in how transfers from them are taxed. In some states, however, the probate and distribution process is simpler with a revocable trust. Your advisers can guide you in choosing which vehicle will work better for you.

For more information, please contact wklockner@aba.org. If you have already included the ABA in your long term plans please let us know.