Bequests

Thank you for seeking information about making a bequest to the Monadnock Humane Society, because one of the most important ways you can support the Monadnock Humane Society and create a legacy is through making a bequest.  

The first step toward making a bequest to the Humane Society is to retain the services of an attorney. If you die without a Will, your Estate will be distributed by Probate Court according to the laws of your state. While each state has its own regulations, your Estate, as a general rule, will be distributed to your heirs, or if you have no heirs, would become the property of the state itself. It is a rare event when the laws coincide with the wishes of deceased who has not left a Will; therefore, it is vital that all people have a legal Will, regardless of the size of your Estate. Without a Will, your wishes have no effect.

The most simple way to amend an existing Will is through a Codicil (the vehicle through which changes are made to a Will.) Since a Will is a legal document designed to direct the disposition of your Estate, it is advisable to formulate a plan for your Estate with your legal counsel; and then discuss that plan with an accountant or tax specialist, since there are numerous state and federal tax considerations for many Estates. 

In your Will you may decide to designate the use of your Estate for specific purposes, such as feline or canine care services, maintenance of our emergency medical fund, spay/neuter fund, or for the endowment fund which preserves the future of the Humane Society while providing cash flow for operational purposes through dividends. Or you may simply designate a specific dollar amount (or percentage of your Estate) for general purposes, leaving the decision to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees. Please remember that regardless of your decision, all expenses made by the Humane Society are based on decisions that impact the overall mission of the agency and are logically and appropriately spent to further the good work we do for the care and ultimate adoption of the pets temporarily living here.

You should always seek the advice of your own professional advisors for any personal legal, tax or financial planning advice. However, if you have any questions about ways you may be able to help the Humane Society, please call Carol Armer, CEO at (603) 352-9011, ext. 111, for a confidential consultation. You may also reach Carol by email at carola@humanecommunity.org.

The Monadnock Humane Society's Mission

The Monadnock Region Humane Society is a private, non-profit humane organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals and people through humane education, and to providing shelter and facilitating adoption for lost, abused or abandoned animals.