Do You Have the Will to Shape Our Future?
"What is the use of living, if it not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?" - Winston Churchill
By including a gift to Big Cat Rescue in your will you are demonstrating your concern for the ongoing care of our cats; in addition to protecting the future of our public education programs to prevent abuse of these lovely animals.
A bequest to Big Cat Rescue means you can make a planned gift, while ensuring your loved ones are provided for. Bequests come from all corners of our supporter groups and are not necessarily left by the very wealthy, but by people who want to support the cats and the causes of Big Cat Rescue. Some examples: Bequest an IRA retirement asset, an Insurance Policy, a gift of a percentage of your estate, and/or the gift of a specific dollar amount stated in your will.
Oftentimes supporters cannot afford to give as generously through their lifetime as they would like. Leaving a bequest is a great opportunity to support the vital work of Big Cat Rescue without hindering your finances during your lifetime. All bequests, regardless of the size, will be gratefully received.
People want to provide for family and loved ones in a way that reflects the relations they had during their lifetime. Similarly, they often want to help ensure that the charitable causes that were important to them continue to receive support after they are gone. It’s comforting to know that even though we have passed on, the animals for whom we cared so much about, will still receive the benefits of our lifelong work and enduring compassion.
Where There's A Will...There's A Way
The work of Big Cat Rescue is becoming increasing dependent on bequests or gifts in Wills. Including a bequest in your Will is relatively easy to implement. Contact your IRA or retirement account care-taker to obtain a beneficiary designation form and make a bequest from your IRA. Contact your insurance company to obtain a beneficiary designation form and make a bequest of your policy. Include a charitable bequest in your will by contacting your lawyer or estate planner. Charitable legacies are paid before a tax is deducted, reducing the total amount of an inheritance tax due from your estate. This is an extremely tax effective way to make a charitable gift.
For more information on types of bequests, click on the links below or contact Big Cat Rescue at Info@BigCatRescue.org
It is humbling and very moving to us at Big Cat Rescue when these kinds of gifts arrive. They are a strong statement about the giver's values and aspirations as well as an affirmation of their commitment to the care of our animals. Their confidence that Big Cat Rescue will reliably carry out that commitment as we translate their posthumous support into hands-on animal care humbles us.
In short, through a charitable remainder trust to Big Cat Rescue, you can provide immediate benefits to your family members, gain significant tax benefits, and also provide a means for us to continue our efforts protecting Big Cats and our educational work to prevent future abuse.
Examples and further explanation of some planned gifts…
Bequests in Your Will
Many people who give to charity choose to leave something behind to their favorite cause when they pass away. Not only does this create a fitting legacy, it also passes on some excellent tax advantages to the rest of your estate.
Gifts that Give You Something in Return
Perhaps you would like to make a substantial gift to Big Cat Rescue but feel unable to do so because you need the income for retirement or to provide for someone who depends on you. A ‘Life Income Gift’ provides you the satisfaction of making a meaningful lifetime gift without sacrifice.
Other creative ways you can help the cats and plan your estate effectively:
Gift of Life Insurance
Some of our supporters no longer need their life insurance that was purchased
years ago to provide for children or other family members, and donate the policy
to Big Cat Rescue.
Pooled Income Fund
Your gift of money, marketable securities, or both is invested together with
similar gifts from other supporters.
Charitable Lead Trust
Individuals with very large estates can use a charitable lead trust to benefit
Big Cat Rescue and pass principal to family members with little or no
tax penalty.
Gifts of Retire ment Plans
Your IRA assets can be transferred to a charitable remainder trust. The trust
will provide life income to the beneficiary, and then an eventual gift to
Big Cat Rescue.
Questions to consider before speaking to a professional adviser:
What have I got to leave?
If you own your own home, how much is it worth? Have you any savings or investments? Valuables? Jewelry?
Who do I want to help?
Of course you must make provisions for your family and friends first. Make a list of their full names and addresses for your advisor.
Which causes are important to you?
If you know them, make a note of their official charity name, address, and registered charity number to give to your advisor. If you love the Big Cats this is the information your advisor will need: Big Cat Rescue Corp. a 501 c 3 Charity FEIN# 59-3330495 Address: 12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625 813.920.4130 fax 866.571.4523 Info@BigcatRescue.org
Your accountant or attorney can provide additional information on gift opportunities and which method would be the most beneficial for you and your family. This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal or financial advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice.
You can start making a difference today:
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