Wills & Bequests

Each year, hundreds of our friends and supporters remember Bethesda with a gift from their estate.

A will is an easy way to remember Bethesda's Mission and Ministry. It represents a lifetime legacy that will live on to support people with developmental disabilities long after your passing.

How can I remember Bethesda through my will or living trust?

• Designate a specific percentage of your estate to Bethesda through your will
• Leave the residue of your estate to Bethesda (that which remains after other specific bequests have been made)

What are the benefits of putting Bethesda in my will?

Charitable giving at your passing is favored under our tax laws. The entire amount of the charitable bequest is deductible for estate tax purposes, without any percentage limitations.

How can I find out more?

Because some kinds of assets are taxed differently at death than others, and because this can have a sizable impact on bequests left to one's heirs and to charity, we encourage you to contact us or your financial advisor for more information.

For more information, contact one of our development representatives to answer any questions. We have a special estate planning tool our development representatives can send to you free of charge entitled My Personal Inventory. You can also request printed materials on this giving plan online.

Using Accurate Language in Your Will

Legal Name and Address

When designating a planned gift to benefit Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., it is recommended that donors identify Bethesda in the following manner:

Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., a 501 (c )(3) not-for-profit organization located at 600 Hoffmann Drive, Watertown, WI 53094

Unrestricted Bequests

1. Specific amount
   I give and bequeath to Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., a 501 (c )(3) not-for-profit organization located at 600 Hoffmann Drive, Watertown, WI 53094, the sum of _____ dollars ($_____) as an unrestricted contribution.
   
   OR
   
   
2. Specific percentage
   I give and bequeath to Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., a 501 (c )(3) not-for-profit organization located at 600 Hoffmann Drive, Watertown, WI 53094, _____ percent (%_____) as an unrestricted contribution.
   
   OR
   
   
3. Property or real estate
   I [bequeath or devise] to Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc., a 501 (c )(3) not-for-profit organization located at 600 Hoffmann Drive, Watertown, WI 53094, as an unrestricted contribution, my (insert description of particular item or property).