Leaving A Legacy and Pet Bequests
Please contact us for an information packet. 760-963-1634 or localrescue@aol.com All information is kept confidential! we do not share your information with anyone!
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Of course we hope all of our supporters and fellow animal lovers are around for a very long time, but it is always wise to plan ahead or for the unexpected. Make sure your pets are safe after you are gone and let your estate continue to help pets in need in your memory. You may contact the High Desert Community Foundation regarding the Leave A Legacy® program if you need assistance. The estate planning professionals with whom they already have a relationship, can help you establish a charitable bequest or other planned gift to North Star Pet Assistance. We are an affiliate fund of the foundation. HDCF Phone 760-333-0306

Everyone needs a will and prior arrangements for their pets

Every adult should have a carefully planned Will as the basis of his or her estate plan regardless of the value of assets accumulated.  A Will is necessary even if other planning arrangements, such as a Living Trust or jointly titled property, are in place.

 A valid Will is a legal binding document that can help guarantee your objectives at death – your legacy – will be honored.  A Will is a document written and executed in accordance with formalities prescribed by state law.  It is, therefore, recommended that you secure the assistance of a competent attorney licensed in the state where you reside.

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign.  It is by means of your Will you are able to:

  • Distribute assets accumulated during lifetime.
  • Contribute to the financial security of your heirs and beneficiaries. 
  • Benefit causes and charities you hold in esteem.
  • Memorialize yourself and other loved ones.
  • Minimize taxes your estate will owe.
  • Maximize the assets your beneficiaries will receive.

A Bequest is one of the simplest ways to make a planned gift.
If you already have a Will, your lawyer can usually add a codicil to include North Star Pet Assistance.
  Giving through a bequest lowers your federal estate taxes, since the assets donated are deducted before the estate tax is calculated.
There are several forms or methods of transferring properties under the terms of a Will through bequests. For use here, the term “beneficiary” refers to both single and multiple recipients.

Ask your attorney to incorporate into your will the following suggested language for making a charitable contribution to North Star Pet Assistance. Your gift may be unrestricted, or designated to the adoption program, or any other program that interests you.

I give to North Star Pet Assistance, a non-profit, California corporation, currently located at ______Please call us or email for a physical address__________, the sum of _____ dollars (or, if insurance policies, land or other property, please describe). This gift is unrestricted, and may be designated at the discretion of the board of directors.

-OR-

This gift is restricted for the adoption program (or specify other program, ask us for a list).

It is North Star Pet Assistance’s policy to assess a 10% overhead recovery fee to all bequests made to the organization (this is charged against the actual bequest and is not an extra charge.)

NOTE: If you wish to restrict the gift to a program or service, please do not be overly specific, as some programs change in response to current needs.

OR-  you can use
these words to make a
bequest to North Star through
your will:

"I give and bequeath to North Star Pet Assistance, federal tax identification number 91-2152835, P.O. Box 1292,Apple Valley, CA the sum of $____________(or describe real or personal property or portion of the estate) to be used for its general purposes ( or you may restrict the gift to a specific
program of North Star)."

Types of Bequests

A specific bequest directs that a specific item or items be given to a beneficiary.

Example:  I bequeath my diamond rings to my daughter, Mary Smith.

A general bequest directs that a specified amount of money or percentage of your estate be paid to a beneficiary.

Example:  I bequeath $25,000 to my son, Joe Smith (absolute).  Or, I bequeath 25% of my cash assets (variable) to my son, Joe Smith.

A residuary bequest directs that a beneficiary receive all that remains in an estate after payment of funeral costs, debts, taxes, administration and probate costs, and specific and general bequests have been made.

Example:  The residuary of my estate is to be divided between my daughter, Mary Smith, and  North Star Pet Assistance (#91-2152835).

A contingent beneficiary may be named in your Will to receive bequests intended for the primary beneficiary in the event the latter dies first. Under the laws of most states, if a beneficiary of your Will dies before you, that bequest will be void and the property will pass to any residuary beneficiary you have named.  If the residuary beneficiary has not survived, the property may pass under the intestacy laws of your state. Charities are often named as contingent beneficiaries.

There are several types of bequests to Charities. We hope you will consider naming North Star Pet Assistance  Apple Valley, CA 92308. as a beneficiary of your Will.  Any gift directed to North Star Pet Assistance will be greatly appreciated and will help fulfill our goals in the years to come. You can feel confident about donating to us as we pride ourselves on performing quality rescue and care of animals as well as focusing on prevention to solve the problem. We take great care in managing any financial gifts to make sure that every dime is put to its best use. We would be honored to see to it that your remaining pets were safe and sound in qualified, loving homes through our Pet Bequest Program.

DID YOU KNOW…GIVING THROUGH LIFE INSURANCE, IRA’S, RETIREMENT PLANS?

Life Insurance

Did you know you can name your favorite charity as the first, second, or even the last beneficiary of your life insurance policy?  What a meaningful way to give a gift at no additional cost to you.  All you need to do is contact your insurance company for the necessary form to complete.  And, the nice thing is that you can always change your mind if circumstances warrant.

IRA’s and Retirement Plans

Like life insurance, the easiest way to help your favorite charity is to name them as first, second, or last beneficiary of all or part of whatever is remaining in your retirement fund at the time of death.  If your retirement plan is with your employer simply ask for a change of beneficiary form.  For an IRA, simply request a change of beneficiary form from the company that handles your account.  This, too, can be revoked if you later decide someone else should receive these funds.

Bank Accounts and CDs

Most people have savings methods such as these.  As modest as the returns may be, they are still preferred by many people for safety and convenience.  They also make excellent vehicles for charitable giving, allowing your to make a future gift without presently reducing your funds.  If you have a CD or bank account you can name the charity of your choice using a beneficiary designation form provided by the bank.  Or, you can also name the charity as a second beneficiary.  That way, if the first beneficiary passes away, your funds will go to the charity. 

Please contact us for an information packet. 760-963-1634 or localrescue@aol.com All information is kept confidential! we do not share your information with anyone!
Print an online brochure HERE.

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