Learn More About Bequests

A bequest is a simple way to help save parrots. If you'd like to help the World Parrot Trust, but feel you cannot make a significant gift today, you may consider a charitable bequest.

Why donors chose a bequest:

It is payable upon death, so it does not affect your assets or cash flow during your lifetime.
It is revocable – if your situation changes you can alter the provisions in your will or trust at any time.
It is private – your will is not filed or made public until your death.

Bequests increase your giving options

A bequest can deliver a specific gift to The World Parrot Trust. For example, ("I bequeath the sum of Ten Thousand [$/£10,000] Dollars/Pounds"). Alternately, it can deliver a percentage of the balance remaining in your estate after taxes, expenses and specific bequests have been paid — what's known as the residue ("I bequeath Ten [10%] Percent of the residue of my estate").

A specific program or species can benefit from your bequest, or the gift can be unrestricted to allow the Trust to use it for top conservation priorities.

Bequests are deductible

A bequest from a will or a trust to the World Parrot Trust is fully deductible where applicable by charity law, and there is no limit on the deduction your estate can claim.

The difference between a Will and a Trust

A Will is a revocable, private document that takes effect after your death - it instructs survivors how to distribute your property afterward.

A revocable Trust is an entity that holds assets during your lifetime, then transfers ownership of them — or benefit from them — upon your death.

Wills and Trusts are the same in how they make charitable transfers. The probate and distribution process is simpler with a revocable Trust in some areas. Please consult your advisors to find out what is best for you.

Interested in naming the World Parrot Trust as a beneficiary of your Will or Trust? Find the legal language and tax ID here.

Points for Planning

The more narrowly you restrict the use of your bequest, the greater the risk that the program you want to benefit today won't be as vital or as relevant when we receive your gift in the future. Please talk with us if you are drafting your will and wish to specify a particular project. Similarly, if you intend to bequeath real estate, a business interest, or other specialized property to the World Parrot Trust please let us know in advance.

What if I've already written my will or trust?

A Will or Trust can be amended to make a gift without rewriting the entire document. Your advisor can prepare a simple document, called a codicil, which adds a new bequest to us while reaffirming the other terms of your Will. Similarly, an attorney/advisor can prepare an amendment to a revocable Trust to add the World Parrot Trust as a beneficiary.

Please, remember to tell us!

Have you already made a bequest to help save parrots or are thinking about doing so soon? If so, please contact our Development Team to let us know your plans so we can thank you for your kind and generous gift.