Remembering Volunteers of America in Your Will
Bequests and other types of planned giving contributions are worthwhile and gratifying ways to support Volunteers of America. These gifts offer a variety of flexible and secure opportunities to be charitable, and typically reduce estate taxes. Each gift – no matter its size – helps make it possible for Volunteers of America to continue to do the vital work we do.

While unrestricted gifts are preferred to fulfill the general needs of Volunteers of America, you may want to designate your gift for a special purpose, restricting use of the principal, income or both. In this case, we request that you include the following provision in your will:

“If the Directors of Volunteers of America determine at any time that such purpose is obsolete, inappropriate or impracticable, the Directors may use the income or principal of this bequest for whatever purpose they deem advisable.”

Outright Bequest
Outright bequests of cash, securities or property can be made to Volunteers of America. You may designate a specific dollar amount or, as a hedge against inflation and changing economic conditions, a fixed percentage of your total estate. The form of your bequest can be as simple as the following example.

“I give to Volunteers of America – Greater New York, a nonprofit organization, whose present address is 340 West 85th Street, New York, NY 10024, and its successors forever, the sum of $______ [ or a description of property devised] [or a percentage of the estate], to be used in such manner as its Board of Directors determines.”

Residuary Bequest
This type of bequest considers changing family and financial circumstances. Once other beneficiaries have received designate portions of your estate through outright bequests, you may stipulate that Volunteers of America receives the remainder.

Contingent Bequest
When first planning their estates, young donors with families to provide for often elect this type of bequest. By making a contingent bequest, you stipulate that Volunteers of America receives a portion of your estate only if your named beneficiaries fail to survive you.

Testamentary Trust
A testamentary trust is established by your will at the time of your death and uses all or a portion of your estate to provide lifetime income for one or more beneficiaries. Upon the death of all surviving beneficiaries, the principal passes to Volunteers of America.

The Myrtle Society
“Myrtle” was Ballington Booth’s pet name for his beloved wife, Maude. We honor those who intend to remember Volunteers of America in their will, by naming them to The Myrtle Society. We recognize however, that your bequest intentions are personal and that you may want to keep them confidential. If so, just let us know. If not, we will name you in our annual report as a member of The Myrtle Society.

Contact our Development department for sample bequest language or other charitable estate planning ideas at 212-496-4310, or email us at lmcneil@voa-gny.org.

To make a gift today online, please use our secure online donations page.

The information contained in this section is not intended as specific legal advice. Consult your own attorney, accountant, or other professional tax and estate planning advisors when considering any legal matter. State laws which govern wills and contracts vary and are subject to change.