Planned Giving & Your Legacy
Planned gifts—most often made through a will or trust—cost nothing today, yet create an incredible impact for the future. By leaving a planned gift to Humane Society of West Michigan, you ensure a lasting legacy that will help animals in need for generations to come. Donors who include HSWM in their estate plans have the option to be honored as members of our Forever Friends Legacy Society.

If HSWM is already in your estate plans, please let us know clicking the button below and filling out our notification form.
To learn more about our Forever Friends Legacy Society Benefits, click the button below.
Will or Trust

Donations made through a will or trust are the most popular type of planned gift. Regardless of age, everyone should have a will in place. Additionally, people use wills to choose who gets their property, name guardians for minor children, provide a plan for pets and guardian for their pets, and more.​​

Through a will, you are able to leave part or all of your estate to Humane Society of West Michigan, and make an impact on the lives of shelter animals for years to come.
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Click HERE for sample language to use in your will or trust to designate part of your estate to HSWM.

Beneficiary Designations

Gifting assets not covered by your will (ex. like 401(k) or IRA account) may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.

Assets not included in your will are called non-probate assets. Examples are 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies, and other accounts. Designating the Humane Society of West Michigan as a beneficiary can have a big impact and help potentially avoid unwanted taxes.
Charitable benefits

  • Receive an estate tax charitable deduction
  • Reduce the burden of taxes on your family
  • Continue to use assets or property during your lifetime
  • Leave a lasting legacy to Humane Society of West Michigan

Common Gifted Assets for Beneficiaries

  • IRA
  • 401(K)
  • Joint Real Estate
  • Joint Bank Accounts
  • Joint Property Ownership

*Please consult a financial professional regarding your beneficiary designations. 
Donor Advised Funds

The final distribution of contributions remaining in a donor advised fund is governed by the contract you completed when you created your fund. We hope you will consider naming Humane Society of West Michigan as a beneficiary or successor of your account.

Alternatively, you can designate that Humane Society of West Michigan receive a portion of the account value, leaving the remainder for your family and other beneficiaries to continue your legacy of compassion for animals.
CDs & Bank Brokerage Accounts

One of the simplest ways you can create your legacy of compassion for animals is by making Humane Society of West Michigan the “pay on death” beneficiary of a certificate of deposit (or any bank or brokerage account). Your financial institution can assist you with this easy process.
Legal Information: Humane Society of West Michigan
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  • Tax ID Number: 38-1360926
  • Address: 3077 Wilson Dr NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534
  • Direct Contact for Legacy Gifts: Winni Walsh, Director of Development and Marketing | 248-688-0186 | [email protected]