One of the simplest and most popular ways to make a gift is through a provision in your will or trust. When you leave assets to WERU in your will, you are communicating the importance of WERU in the present and the future. Bequests can be made in the form of a specific gift of cash or property, or as a percentage of an estate. Your tax advisor can provide information regarding any tax benefits to your estate.
Bequests may include the following methods:
Specific Bequest: WERU receives a specific dollar amount, a specific piece of property, or a stated percentage of the estate. This is one of the most popular forms of bequests.
Sample Specific Bequest Language:
“I give to Salt Pond Community Broadcasting Company (WERU-FM), a Maine not-for-profit corporation that is recognized as exempt from tax under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, with its principal office located at PO Box 170, 1186 Acadia Highway, East Orland, ME 04431, the sum of $_____ to be used for its general purposes.”
Or
“I give to Salt Pond Community Broadcasting Company (WERU-FM), a Maine not-for-profit corporation that is recognized as exempt from tax under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, with its principal office located at PO Box 170, 1186 Acadia Highway, East Orland, ME 04431, _____ percent of the total value of my estate to be used for its general purposes.”
Residual Bequest: WERU will receive all or a stated percentage of an estate after distribution of specific bequests and payment of debts, taxes, and expenses.
Sample Residual Bequest Language:
“I give to Salt Pond Community Broadcasting Company (WERU-FM), a Maine not-for-profit corporation that is recognized as exempt from tax under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, with its principal office located at PO Box 170, 1186 Acadia Highway, East Orland, ME 04431, [all or ____ percent] of my residuary estate to be used for its general purposes.”
Contingent Bequest: WERU will receive part or all of the estate under certain specified circumstances.
Sample Contingent Bequest Language:
“In the event of the death of any of the beneficiaries, I give to Salt Pond Community Broadcasting Company (WERU-FM), a Maine not-for-profit corporation that is recognized as exempt from tax under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, with its principal office located at PO Box 170, 1186 Acadia Highway, East Orland, ME 04431,[specific, percentage, or residual language as above] to be used for its general purposes.”
When designating WERU in your estate plans, use the following information:
Salt Pond Community Broadcasting Company (WERU-FM)
PO Box 170
1186 Acadia Highway
East Orland, ME 04431
Tax ID: Our Federal Tax Identification number is 22-2513428
If you have questions regarding WERU’s planned giving opportunities, please contact Matt Murphy, WERU General Manager, at 207-469-6600 or matt@weru.org.
Please consult your attorney or estate specialist when making planned giving decisions.