Remembering the Animals in Your Will

If there is any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being,
let me do it now, and not deter or neglect it as I shall not pass this way again.
   -William Penn

The Houston SPCA, founded in 1924 is a leader in animal protection.  Our mission is to promote respect for all animals and free them from suffering, abuse and exploitation.  We are a 501 (c)(3) and receive no funding from the government, United Way or national animal groups such as the ASPCA, HSUS or AHA.  Your bequest, a gift from the heart, guarantees that our life-saving work continues.  Planned gifts are an important source of support in building a sound future for the Houston SPCA. 
Although bequests are the simplest and most popular form of planned gifts, your gift can consist of almost anything—money, bank accounts, life insurance policies, securities, works of art or real estate.  Additionally, you may establish a charitable remainder trust as a way to help Houston’s homeless animals. 

Suggested language for wills—

This language creates an unrestricted gift, which is especially valued because it is difficult today to anticipate the future needs of the Houston SPCA.  If you have a particular use in mind for your gift, the Houston SPCA welcomes the opportunity to work with you and your attorney on specific language to assure your gift will be used as you intend.  If you would like to remember the Houston SPCA in your will, you can do so by using the following language:

I hereby give, devise and bequeath unto the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX  77024, a non profit corporation, (the sum of $____________) or (________% of my estate) or (the following stock and bonds_______) or (specific items of property) or (the rest, residue and remainder of my estate).  This gift may be used to further the mission objectives of the Houston SPCA as the Board of the Directors of the Houston SPCA may direct. 

The full legal name of the Houston SPCA is:
The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.  
900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX  77024 
The Houston SPCA tax id # is 74-1287171

As with any important financial decision, you should contact your accountant or attorney for complete information and tax implications.