You can name the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER) as a beneficiary of your will.
Your bequest will help us continue WATER’s critical work and maintain our independence and integrity.
We invite you to act now to help us continue WATER’s important role in the years ahead.
The following information describes the many ways you can plan for a future gift to WATER.
Bequest
Through a bequest in your will, you can make a meaningful contribution to further the work of WATER.
You can help insure WATER’s future by bequeathing such assets as stocks, bonds, and real estate with the understanding that we will convert them to cash upon receipt. We strongly advise you to consult an attorney if you are contemplating making your will or changing a current one.
When you have a will, you should review it
- If you move to another state (state laws vary).
- If your marital or family situation changes.
- If your assets increase or decrease.
There are three types of bequests to consider. The following language is suggested in each case:
Specific Bequest
“I bequeath to the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual, Inc. (WATER) for its general purposes, the sum of $___ or the following property.” (Describe for example, stocks, bonds or real estate.)
Residuary Bequest
“I devise and bequeath to the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual, Inc. (WATER) for its general purposes, all (or $___) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.”
Contingent Bequest
“If any of the above-named beneficiaries should predecease me, I hereby bequeath his or her share to the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual, Inc. (WATER) to be used for its general purposes.”
Beneficiary of your Retirement Plan
Whether it is a company pension plan, a private fund such as an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), or a combination, you can designate the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual, Inc. (WATER) as the final beneficiary of any unused funds. A professional advisor can tell you about the procedure to follow.
Beneficiary of your Life Insurance Policy
Some people choose a life insurance policy to benefit an institution when there are no surviving family members.
You can name the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual, Inc. (WATER) as a beneficiary of an existing policy. Or you can set up a new policy and designate WATER as a primary or contingent beneficiary.
Check with your insurance representative for details about policy choices and possible tax benefits.
Beneficiary of your Stock
If you are considering selling off long-term appreciated stock in order to make a donation, you may want to consider transferring the stock to the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual, Inc. (WATER) instead. By transferring stock, you may be able to avoid tax on the gain. Ask your financial planner or contact us for full information needed to make a stock transfer.
Beneficiary of your Savings Plan
Savings accounts, certificates of deposit, or other savings plans can also benefit WATER. If you wish to make a future gift of this kind, it is necessary to have the account in your name “in trust for” the Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual, Inc. (WATER) with the organization having survivor rights only. A bank representative can discuss the details with you.
About Taxes
The Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual, Inc. (WATER) is a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated under the not-for-profit law of the State of Maryland. WATER is also a public charity under sections 509 (a)(1) and 170 (b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to WATER are deductible under section 170 of the code. WATER is qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Charitable gifts are fully tax deductible for federal estate tax purposes. When designating a contribution, please use our legal name: “The Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual, Inc.” Please keep in mind that tax and other benefits from gifts to WATER depend on your personal and financial situation. We recommend that you obtain professional advice when considering your gift.
Thank you for considering WATER as a beneficiary.