Legacy Circle
“I am deeply committed to Green Mountain Habitat because it brings the community together to assist families who want to build a decent place of their own and, in the process, change their lives and the lives of their children. I do not know of another organization where everyone involved benefits.” – John Owen.
The wonderful people who donate to Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity understand that their gifts provide a long-term “hand up” rather than a short-term “hand out.” Several donors have shared that they have established ongoing and future donations through estate plans or planned giving.
At the request of these individuals, we created the Green Mountain Legacy Circle to encourage others to include GMHfH in their wills or estate plans. Nelson Henderson quotes, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” We might say, “Creating a legacy gift will help to build homes to shelter families years from now.”
Planned Giving
If you are looking for a creative way to give to Green Mountain Habitat, we hope you will consider “planned giving” as another way to support our mission.
Planned giving is a form of charitable giving in which gifts come from accumulated resources, such as real estate or marketable securities, rather than current income, either during life or death.
In your will, you may name Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity (Federal tax ID #22-2558923) as a beneficiary using simple wording such as:
I give, devise and bequeath to Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, with offices in Williston, Vermont, or its successor in interest, ( a % or cash value), to be used for its general purposes, outright and free of trust.
Some planned giving techniques are straightforward, such as leaving your property to Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity through your will or naming Green Mountain Habitat as the beneficiary of your IRA or another retirement plan.
Other techniques, such as creating a charitable gift annuity or establishing a charitable remainder trust, are more complex. Some further options include gifts of life insurance, stock, or gifts of real estate, including the grant of a remainder interest in your residence. Your estate planning attorney can discuss options that best fit your circumstances.
Regardless of the technique chosen, planned giving can help you realize a wide range of benefits that allow you to give to Habitat in a manner in line with your other financial, tax, and estate planning goals. Sometimes, it can provide an additional income stream, gift and estate tax deductions, and creditor protections. In every circumstance, planned giving preserves your legacy and furthers Green Mountain Habitat’s vision for a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Please contact your estate planning attorney if you have any questions about your planned giving options. For specific questions about Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, please contact Alison Johnson, Development Director, at 802-872-8726.
