American Whitewater Enduring Rivers Circle
Leave a lasting legacy to the special places that made a difference in your life. Become a member of the American Whitewater Enduring Rivers Circle, created exclusively to honor and recognize people who have helped to continue our river stewardship efforts through a gift to American Whitewater in their estate plans. As an Enduring Rivers Circle member, you will receive special recognition to serve as a reminder of your ongoing commitment to river stewardship. You will join a circle of individuals who are making it possible for our children and future generations to experience for themselves the rivers that have coursed through our lives and made them so much richer. Your commitment will be recognized publicly in the American Whitewater Annual Report, unless you prefer to give anonymously. American Whitewater Executive Director, Clinton Begley, can provide information and assistance to donors considering a planned gift.
About American Whitewater: Since 1954 American Whitewater has provided a bond between paddlers and rivers by providing flow information and advocating for stewardship of, and access to, whitewater rivers. In the 70's American Whitewater helped the sport flourish through our affiliation with local clubs. Now, American Whitewater is on better footing than ever before, with support from major donors, foundations, and people like you who believe in whitewater rivers and their stewardship. We received a Four Star rating from Charity Navigator <http://www.charitynavigator.org> for the last decade plus (consecutive 4-star ratings demonstrating an ongoing fiscal excellence). Their confidence in our work confirms that we are on the right track and providing an important service to the whitewater boating community, now and into the future.
Estate Plans - what is a bequest? A bequest is a provision in your will or living trust that enables you to include a future gift to American Whitewater. Bequests may be general or designated for a specific project or purpose. If you would like to make a gift to American Whitewater while retaining control of and access to your assets during your lifetime, a bequest can help you achieve these goals.
What are the benefits of a bequest? A bequest is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to make a planned gift to American Whitewater. For example: You can leave a permanent legacy but defer payment of the gift until you no longer need the asset. There is no minimum amount. Bequests of all sizes are an important legacy to American Whitewater. You may choose how and when you want your bequest to be made from your estate. Your bequest may be made contingent upon whether other heirs and beneficiaries survive you. It’s easy to alter an existing will or living trust to include a bequest to American Whitewater. A bequest qualifies for an estate charitable deduction if your estate is taxable.
What are some of the options for planning a bequest? It’s easy to shape a bequest that matches your goals. Here’s how:
- Specify a fixed amount: Designate a specific dollar amount to be given to American Whitewater.
- Use a percentage: Naming a percentage of your estate to go to American Whitewater keeps the size of your gift in proportion to the size of your estate.
- Identify specific assets: You can give securities, real estate, and other property through your estate.
- Make an unrestricted bequest: An unrestricted bequest provides American Whitewater with the greatest flexibility. You make your gift available for general purposes, allowing us to use it wherever the need is greatest.
- Make a restricted bequest: You provide a gift designated for a purpose that is most important to you.
Do I need to hire an attorney? Below you can find sample language for your bequest as you work with your family attorney to craft your will. We have also partnered with FreeWill as a benefit to our members. Through our FreeWill Portal https://www.freewill.com/americanwhitewater you can create or update your legally-binding will completely free of charge.
Can you provide sample language for my bequest? The language that follows can serve as a guide for your attorney in preparing your will or living trust. If you would like to designate a bequest for a specific purpose, please contact American Whitewater, so that we may ensure that your gift reflects goals as well as the needs of American Whitewater.
Sample bequest of specific amount I give, devise, and bequeath _[$] or [%]___ to American Whitewater, TAX I.D. #23-7083760, for its general use. American Whitewater may be contacted in care of its Executive Office, PO Box 63, Springfield, OR 97488.
Sample bequest of remainder of estate I give, devise, and bequeath to American Whitewater, TAX I.D. #23-7083760, for its general use all [or state the fraction or percentage] of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal. American Whitewater may be contacted in care of its Executive Office, PO Box 63, Springfield, OR 97488.
What is the next step? If you have already arranged for a bequest or other planned gift, we would like to honor your support. Please notify American Whitewater Engagement Director, Bethany Overfield bethany@americanwhitewater.org and become a member of the Enduring Rivers Circle. If you are still considering such a gift, let us know so we can help you and your advisors complete your gift in a way that benefits your estate and makes clear your intention to support American Whitewater river stewardship.
When you join the American Whitewater Enduring Rivers Circle, you demonstrate your commitment to rivers and help ensure the long-term strength of American Whitewater.