A planned gift is any contribution arranged during your lifetime but realized after your lifetime. These gifts are typically planned through a will, a revocable trust, or by naming the Fulton County Humane Society (FCHS) as a beneficiary on financial accounts.

Why Choose Planned Giving?

Planned gifts are powerful, flexible, and often offer tax advantages:

Customizable and Changeable: You can modify your gift should your financial circumstances change.

Tax-Advantaged: Gifts of certain assets, like retirement accounts, can provide significant tax benefits to your estate.

Create a Lasting Legacy: The best reason is that you will ensure the Fulton County Humane Society can continue its mission of animal rescue, shelter, and care for future generations.

How to Make Your Planned Gift

One of the most common and easiest methods is through a bequest in your Will or Trust.

1.  Language for Your Will or Trust

• Share the following sample language with your estate planning attorney to ensure your gift is legally sound:
• "I, [NAME], of [CITY, STATE ZIP], give, devise, and bequeath to the Fulton County Humane Society, located in Archbold, Ohio, [WRITTEN AMOUNT OR PERCENTAGE OF THE ESTATE OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

2.  Determining Your Bequest Type

• Work with your attorney to choose the best option for your financial plan:
• Specific Bequest: Designates a particular piece of property (like stocks, bonds, or real estate).
• General Bequest: Designates a specific amount of money.
• Residuary Bequest: Designates all or a percentage of your estate's remainder after all other bequests, debts, and taxes have been paid.
• Contingent Bequest: Designates FCHS to receive a gift only if a specified event occurs (e.g., if another primary beneficiary does not survive you).

3. Beneficiary Designations (Non-Will Assets)

• Assets such as Retirement Plans (IRAs, 401(k)s), Life Insurance policies, and Insurance Annuities are not controlled by your will and require separate beneficiary designation forms.
• IRA/Retirement Plans: Naming a charitable organization like FCHS as a beneficiary can be highly tax-efficient as the gift is not subject to income taxes.
• Life Insurance & Annuities: You can name FCHS to receive a percentage or the entire payout of your policy or annuity, often resulting in tax benefits.
• Contact your plan administrator for a change of beneficiary form and list the Fulton County Humane Society.

4. Next Steps

• Consult your Advisor: For the most customized and tax-efficient gift, always speak with your estate planning attorney or financial advisor.
• Inform FCHS: We encourage you to let us know of your intentions by completing a Declaration of Intent form. This allows us to thank you for your kindness and assists us with future financial planning (your gift is always revocable if your circumstances change).

Fulton County Humane Society 22450 County Road F Archbold, Ohio 43502

email: stephanie@fchsohio.org

Our tax ID number is: 34-1341180