Many people have a strong desire to support the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, yet may not be able to make a large gift during their lifetime. One of the easiest ways to make a significant gift is through a bequest in a will.

Bequests can be used to make a special gift that will enhance the AAHA Foundation's ability to improve the lives of pets in the future. Donors can also use their wills to establish charitable gift annuities or charitable remainder trusts, which will provide income to their heirs and the Foundation with a long-term benefit.

A wise estate planner makes use of carefully drafted legal documents. Bequest provisions in a will allow the donor to control the distribution of his or her estate and to preserve as much of the estate as possible through judicious use of tax-saving opportunities.

There are several types of bequests. The AAHA Foundation can be named in a will as follows:

• Specific Bequests
  A specific bequest takes the form of an outright gift of money, stock, land or other property.
• Residuary Bequests
  In a residuary bequest, the donor leaves all or a part of the balance of the estate to a beneficiary after all of the specific bequests have been satisfied.
• Contingent Bequests
  A contingent bequest provides for the disposition of the estate if one or more of the named beneficiaries fail to survive the donor. It can be used in conjunction with a specific bequest or a residuary bequest.

Foundation staff is available to assist you in considering planned giving options.