Why should I make a legacy gift to the Coalition?

“Protecting the beauty and bounty of Buzzards Bay is important to me. I can’t think of a better legacy to leave behind.” -Legacy Circle Member Gioia Browne

Making a legacy gift to the Buzzards Bay Coalition could be the most important – and lasting – contribution you ever make. A bequest gives you the flexibility to take care of your family and make a larger gift than you may expect.

Including a charitable gift to the Coalition in your estate plan can:

• Ensure your assets support the causes that are most important to you.
• Allow you to make a major impact without affecting your finances today.
• Reduce the federal tax burden for your heirs.
• Preserve your ability to make changes in the future.

Will I be recognized for my legacy gift?

With your permission, we would be pleased to recognize you as a member of the Coalition’s Legacy Circle, a group of dedicated supporters who are committed to leaving a lasting legacy for Buzzards Bay. The Legacy Circle acknowledges the generosity and foresight of donors like you, whose thoughtful planning will leave our children and grandchildren with a clean, healthy Bay to enjoy.

If you’ve already included the Coalition in your will or estate plans, please let us know. We would be pleased to recognize you as part of our Legacy Circle.

How do I make a legacy gift to the Coalition?

Making a legacy gift to the Coalition is simple. Just add the language below to your will, or file a change of beneficiary form with your insurance company or retirement plan. Please let us know when you have included us in your estate plan.

You can donate a specific dollar amount, a fixed percentage of your assets, or a residual portion of your estate. You can also make the Coalition a beneficiary of your retirement plan, pension, or life insurance. Additionally, charitable gift annuities or other income-producing options may be available depending on your situation and goals.

General Bequest Language

To make a legacy gift to the Coalition, include the following language in your will:

I give, devise, and bequeath to Buzzards Bay Coalition, a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with principal business address of 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 (tax identification number 04-2971978) the sum of $________ [or a description of a specific asset, or a % of total assets], for the benefit of Buzzards Bay Coalition and its general purposes.

Residuary Bequest Language

If you prefer to leave all or part of the residue portion of your assets after other terms of the will have been satisfied, include the following language:

I give, devise, and bequeath to Buzzards Bay Coalition, a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with principal business address of 114 Front Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 (tax identification number 04-2971978), all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, for its general purposes.

Who can I contact with questions?

To learn more about making a bequest, consult your estate planner or contact Paul Belsito at (508) 999-6363 x236.

If you’ve already included the Coalition in your will or estate plans, please let us know. We would be pleased to recognize you as part of our Legacy Circle.