Gifts Through Wills and Living Trusts 

Making a charitable bequest through a will or trust is a simple and flexible way to direct your assets to the people and causes you care most about. By including a bequest to CVHS in your will or trust, you will continue to help homeless animals and ensure that we can continue our mission for years to come.

As little as one sentence of bequest language is all that is needed to complete your gift. Below is sample language you might use:

Sample Language for Bequests

General Bequest: “I give and bequeath to Central Vermont Humane Society at 1589 VT Route 14 S, East Montpelier, VT 05651 the sum of $ _______ (or ____ % of my estate; or a description of a specific asset), for the benefit of Central Vermont Humane Society and its general purposes (or for a specific purpose as indicated).”

Residuary Bequest: “All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, I give to Central Vermont Humane Society at 1589 VT Route 14 S, East Montpelier, VT 05651 for its general purposes (or for a specific purpose as indicated).”

Contingency Bequest:  “I devise and bequeath the residue of the property, real and personal and wherever situated, owned by me at my death, to (name of beneficiary), if (she/he) survives me.  If (name of beneficiary) does not survive me, I devise and bequeath my residuary estate to Central Vermont Humane Society at 1589 VT Route 14 S, East Montpelier, VT 05651 for its general purposes (or for a specific purpose as indicated).”

You may designate your bequest in two ways:

• For the general purposes of CVHS (an unrestricted bequest)
• To be used to support a particular program, fund, or aspect of our work (a restricted bequest)

Benefits for the Donor

• Reduce estate taxes: Making a charitable bequest reduces the size of your estate, effectively leaving less money subject to estate taxes. You may want to consider leaving to charity those assets that would be most heavily taxed such as retirement plans.

• Flexibility: You can change the provisions in your will, including how much to donate and to whom, any time before your death.

• You control where your assets go.

Important: The material presented in this website is intended only as general educational information and should not be interpreted as legal, financial or tax advice. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. We encourage you to consult your financial, tax, and/or legal advisors to obtain guidance specific to your individual situation and philanthropic goals.