Why a Bequest? This simple method of remembering the Willa Cather Foundation assures that some portion of your estate passes to the WCF after your death. Including the WCF in your Will may help your heirs avoid certain estate taxes. You can change your mind about your bequest at any time before your death. Your attorney can help you, and if you already have a Will, you can add a codicil at very little cost.

To leave the Foundation a percentage of your estate in your Will:
"I give (insert percentage of residual estate) to the Willa Cather Foundation, a Nebraska 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, 413 North Webster Street, Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970, to provide funding for (program area to benefit; endowment; OR the programs in current need as determined by the Board of Governors of the Willa Cather Foundation.")

To leave the Foundation a specific amount of money:
"I give (insert sum) to the Willa Cather Foundation, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, 413 North Webster Street, Red Cloud, Nebraska, 68970 to provide funding for (program area to benefit; endowment; OR the programs in current need as determined by the Board of Governors of the Willa Cather Foundation.")

Why retirement plans? Retirement plans can be heavily taxed (unless left to a spouse), and naming the WCF as a charitable beneficiary could reduce taxes. You can change your mind about beneficiaries at any time.

Why life insurance policies? You may have paid-up policies you no longer need, or you may want to set up a new policy with charitable intent. By giving either fully paid or partially paid insurance policies to the WCF, you can receive the deductions immediately or over the length of time you pay for the policy. Name the WCF as both the beneficiary and policy owner, and do this through your local agent.

Charitable Remainder Trust: Set up a trust and receive annual income, plus a tax deduction and gift to the WCF.

Why a charitable Remainder trust? You receive annual income and could avoid capital gains and/or estate tax. Please see your financial manager for more information.

Charitable Lead Trust: Set up a trust where annual income comes to the WCF until your death, when the trust transfers back to the family.

Why a charitable lead trust? You may not need income yourself at this time, but you would like your assets to remain within your family. Income generated from the trust comes to the WCF, but at your death, the trust is dissolved and transfers to your family. You do not pay estate tax on the appreciation of the trust, and you receive tax benefits.

Other vehicles in which to make a charitable donation include gifts of closely held stock, securities or commodities. Farmers and ranchers can save significant taxes by contributing commodities such as corn or cattle to the WCF instead of making a cash contribution after selling the commodity. A producer should consult with his or her tax advisor to determine whether a contribution of commodities is appropriate to their tax situation.