Make a Bequest to BEC
Bequests are a flexible way to support the environment while maintaining control of your assets. Because bequests are revocable you can make changes to the provisions in your will or trust anytime in the future.
Types of Bequests to Consider:
General bequest: Most donors plan a bequest in the form of a general-use gift. A general bequest can be a dollar amount or percentage of your estate. This general support is most helpful to us because it allows us to direct funds to our most crucial conservation priorities such as climate change.
Specific bequest: You designate a specific dollar amount or specific asset (e.g., stocks, bonds, real estate, mutual fund shares, etc.) to a specific beneficiary. Be mindful that if you no longer own the property, the beneficiary receives nothing.
Residuary bequest: You designate all or a portion of your estate's residue (what is left after payment of taxes, debts, settlement costs have been satisfied) to a beneficiary or beneficiaries.
Contingent bequest: Can be a general, specific or residuary bequest that designates a contingent beneficiary if the primary beneficiary predeceases you.
Restricted bequest: Sometimes a donor may wish to restrict their bequest to a particular environmental program. Should you have a specific environmental interest, we would be happy to discuss options.
What If I Have Already Written My Will or Trust?
If you have already made out your will and wish to amend it to include the Butte Environmental Council you can consider using codicil language to make your desired changes. Your attorney can prepare a codicil, which adds a new bequest while reaffirming the other terms of your will. If you have created a revocable trust you can make changes through an amendment. Please discuss these options with your financial consultant or an estate planning attorney.