planned giving

One of the simplest ways to make an important gift to preserve and protect nature is through your will. You can name GBR Trust as the direct beneficiary of specific assets, a portion or percentage of your estate, or of your residual estate after payment of other bequests. Charitable giving through your estate can offer both flexibility and estate tax advantages. Two of the most popular forms of bequests are a fixed amount of money or a designated property and a percentage of the estate.

Gifts made through wills and living trusts are easy to arrange and can be changed at any time you choose, giving you maximum flexibility in your planning. You will also enjoy peace of mind knowing that your property will be put to good use when you no longer need it, but your cash flow will not be affected today.

Creating or updating your estate plans calls for careful planning with the help of an estate-planning attorney. Bequest language can vary from state to state, and country to country. Thus, it is always best to use an attorney that understands local estate laws. With that in mind, we suggest that you give the following suggested bequest wording to your attorney:

"I give $_____ [a specific amount, or alternatively, "_____ percent of the residuary of my estate"] to the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust (tax ID # is 73-1628865), a nonprofit corporation incorporated in the State of Texas and having its principal office at 933 East Court Street, Seguin, Texas 78155 for its general purposes."

The GBR Trust tax ID # is 73-1628865. Be sure to consult with your attorney on the language and tax effect of any charitable bequest.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities

Make a tax-deductible gift of stocks, bonds or mutual funds to the GBR Trust.

Gift of Retirement Plan Assets

Since there are a variety of retirement plans with significant restrictions on how and when transfers and distributions may be made, we highly recommend that members and supporters review their situation with a retirement plan administrator, tax professional or financial advisor.

Life Insurance Options

Naming GBR Trust in a life insurance policy that is no longer needed for family support or liquidity may be an excellent vehicle for a gift. Consult your tax advisor to see if this type of planning makes sense for you and your loved ones. There are several ways to give life insurance, including naming GBR Trust as beneficiary of a new or existing policy, assigning GBR Trust as owner of no longer needed paid-up or partially paid policy, or taking out a new policy with GBR Trust as owner.

For more information about these or other ways to make planned gifts to GBR Trust, contact our office at (830) 560-3981.