How to Make Your Permanent Mark on Woods’ Future
Now is the time to make a mark on the future.
More and more friends of Woods are choosing to leave a lasting legacy by making a gift through their will or estate. Some of the most significant gifts we’ve received—the kind that really make a difference for future generations—have come from planned gifts.
See our Estate Planning brochure
How to Become a Futurist
It’s easy to become one of these farsighted, influential individuals. If you already have a will, you can add a gift to us through a very simple amendment called a codicil. We can give you sample codicil language you can send to your attorney to make the process smooth and simple.
If you don’t have a will, what are you waiting for?
Without a valid will in place, you leave it up to the courts to decide how to distribute your assets. But you’ve worked hard to achieve what you have, whether it’s a little or a lot, and you deserve the right to say what happens to it. A will gives you the control you deserve. Writing a will isn’t difficult and it’s well worth the time. It’s also a great opportunity to leave a legacy gift to organizations you care about, like Woods.
What Counts as a Bequest?
You can give (“bequeath”) many different kinds of assets—in whole or in part—in your will, including:
- A paid-up life insurance policy
- Cash
- Securities
- Real estate
- CDs
- U.S. Savings Bonds
- Artwork
- A percentage of your estate’s value
- The “leftovers” after all debts are paid and your loved ones are cared for
To Restrict or Not to Restrict?
Some friends choose to designate their bequest to a certain aspect of our mission. Others leave their gift unrestricted. Either type of bequest is welcome and appreciated. However, since it’s impossible to know what the future holds, it’s usually recommended to make your bequest unrestricted so that it can be used where the need is greatest when the time comes.
Don’t be Shy
Please let us know if you decide to make a bequest to Woods. We realize many donors wish to remain anonymous, and if this is your wish, we will absolutely guard your privacy. However, knowing about your plans really helps us better prepare for the future. It also enables us to thank you in the way you deserve. It’s especially important to contact us in advance if:
- you’d like to make a bequest of something other than cash or appreciated marketable securities; or
- you wish to designate your bequest to a specific purpose.
Bequest Lingo
Many people think a bequest is complicated. Not so! It really couldn’t be easier. Simply fill in the blanks and pass along this language to your attorney to include in your will or living trust.
I give, devise and bequeath to Woods Services, located at 40 Martin Gross Drive, Langhorne, PA 19047 or its successor, the sum of $___________ (or a description of your specific asset) to be used for such charitable purpose(s) as the governing body of Woods Services or its successor, may decide in its discretion (or for the support of a specific fund or program).
We can also give you language if you’re interested in making a residual bequest (the “leftovers” of your estate) or a contingent gift (where Woods only gets the gift if certain circumstances occur.)
Get in touch!
If you believe in our mission and want to help carry it forward to the future, please contact Dalene Neopolitan at dneopolitan@woods.org or 215-750-4250. We would be pleased to work with you and your advisor(s) to determine the gift that best suits your situation and interests.
This publication is intended to provide general gift planning information. Our organization is not qualified to provide specific legal, tax or investment advice, and this publication should not be looked to or relied upon as a source for such advice.
Consult with your own legal and financial advisors before making any gift.
