How to Make a Gift by Will
 

 Bequests and other types of planned giving contributions are worthwhile and gratifying ways to support Volunteers of America. These gifts offer a variety of flexible and secure opportunities to be charitable, and typically reduce estate taxes. Each gift- no matter the amount-supports the vital work we do with the most vulnerable populations.

Before making a provision in your will for Volunteers of America, you should review your wishes with your attorney and financial advisor. The form of your bequest can be as simple as any of the examples listed below.

      I give to Volunteers of America of Colorado, a non-profit organization
      whose present address is 2660 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205,
      and its successors forever, the sum or $________ (or a description
      of property devised ) (or apercentage of the estate), to be used in
      such manner as its Board of Directors determines.

A residuary bequest leaves an institution the remainder of an estate (if any exists by accident or design) after all specific legacies have been distributed. It can be incorporated into the above bequest form as follows:

     . . . and its successors forever, all (or a specific percentage of)
     the residue and remainder of my estate, to be used in suchmanner . . .

While unrestricted gifts are preferred to fulfill the general needs of Volunteers of America, you may want to designate your gift for a special purpose, restricting use of the principal, income or both:

I give and bequeath to Volunteers of America of Colorado, a non-profit organization whose present address is 2660 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80205, and its successors forever, the sum or $________ (or a description of property devised ) (or a percentage of the estate), to be used for the following: __________________.

Volunteers of America requests that you include the following provision with a restricted will:

     If the Board of Directors of Volunteers of America determine at any
     time that such purpose is obsolete, inappropriate, or impracticable,
     the Board of Directors may use the income or principal of this
     bequest for wherever purpose they deem advisable.

We welcome your questions about bequests and other estate planning matters.