Wills and Charitable Bequests

A Will is a very powerful instrument if it reflects what you care about. A properly drafted Will should contain provisions that match your goals and objectives, but it is up to you and your attorney to make sure that it does.

A Will Answers Questions Like:

Who will receive your property after your death?
How and when will the beneficiaries of your estate receive your property?
Who will make sure the proper beneficiaries receive your property at the proper time?
Who will take care of your minor children (if any) if you die while they are under your care?

What Can Happen Without a Will:
Without a Will, the intestacy statutes drafted by the State Legislature will determine who receives your estate and a Court will appoint a personal representative and a guardian (if needed). These and other decisions are too important and too personal to leave to the statutes and Court personnel. Although some of the decisions made for you may be consistent with your wishes, many times they do not match up with your desires. For instance, if you do not take action yourself, friends, charities and perhaps even relatives will be left out. Moreover, by not doing any planning, you guarantee the highest tax situation for your assets.

Leaving a Legacy:
Each year, many individuals opt-out of the intestacy statutes and designate a portion of their assets for the benefit and support of charitable organizations that matter to them. Americans are a charitable people, and testamentary gifts (i.e., gifts under a Will) are a part of our charitable tradition. These gifts may serve as a remembrance of a cherished organization's service or as an opportunity to make a larger impact than possible during lifetime. No matter what your purpose is, make sure you get it in writing!

How to Remember SSND in Your Will:
There are a variety of ways to give to the School Sisters of Notre Dame through a Will. You may choose to give a specific amount, a specific percentage of your estate or a gift of some or all of the residue of your estate (i.e., everything left over after other gifts are made) to the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Here are some examples for you to consider:

Special Gift –
"I give the sum of ____________ dollars to the SCHOOL SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME, MILWAUKEE PROVINCE, INC."

Percentage Gift –
"I give ___________ percent of my estate to the SCHOOL SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME, MIL- WAUKEE PROVINCE, INC."

Residuary Gift –
"I give the residue of my estate to the SCHOOL SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME, MILWAUKEE PROVINCE, INC."

Variations on these gifts are also possible (e.g., "I give _______ percent of the residue of my estate to the SCHOOL SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME, MILWAUKEE PROVINCE, INC.").

In addition to the very significant benefit of knowing that you will be supporting the ministries of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and helping us care for our retired sisters, you may also be able to reduce or eliminate estate taxes otherwise due upon your death. In other words, you can determine how much property will be diverted from the Internal Revenue Service to a charity like the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Your attorney and other advisors can help determine what, if any, tax considerations are relevant to your planning.

For More Information Call, Write, or Email:

School Sisters of Notre Dame
Planned Giving Office
13105 Watertown Plank Road
Elm Grove, WI 53122-2291
Phone: (262) 787-1034 Fax: (262) 207-0050
Email: ssndpg@ssnd-milw.org

This is not intended as legal advice; for that, consult your attorney or tax advisor.