Making a bequest to Friends of the Earth in your will can provide substantial support for our cutting edge campaigns to protect the earth far into the future. A bequest to Friends of the Earth is not subject to federal or state estate or inheritance taxes, and there is no limit on the allowable deduction.
Because we deeply appreciate the support of those who make such gifts, we would like to acknowledge you and your planned gift to encourage others to become a member of our Legacy Society, but if you prefer to remain anonymous, we are happy to maintain that confidence as well.
If you have already provided for Friends of the Earth through your estate plans, or are thinking about doing so, please contact Hillary Blank toll free at 1 866-217-8499, ext. 219 or via e-mail at hblank@foe.org.
An outright bequest is the simplest method of making a testamentary gift to Friends of the Earth. An outright bequest is a gift by will of a specific sum of money or of a specific piece of property (such as securities or real estate). The following language can be used in a will to make an outright bequest:
"I hereby bequeath to Friends of the Earth, 1717 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington , DC 20036 , the sum of $_____________ (and/or the following described property ______________)."
A residuary bequest provides Friends of the Earth with a percentage or all of the remainder of a donor's estate after specific bequests, debts, taxes, and estate expenses have been paid. A residuary bequest to Friends of the Earth is made in a will by incorporating the following language:
"I hereby bequeath all (or _____percent) of my residuary estate to Friends of the Earth, 1717 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington , DC 20036 ."
Many donors have family and friends for whom they feel responsible and choose to provide for them first in their wills. In this case, the donor can leave what is known as a contingent bequest to Friends of the Earth. The contingent bequest provides first for the family and friends and benefits Friends of the Earth only if the named beneficiaries predecease the person making the will.
"I bequeath to my sister, Jane Smith, the sum of $__________ and, in the event she shall predecease me, I direct this sum to be paid to Friends of the Earth , 1717 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20036."
