Planned Giving

Planting a Legacy: Planned Giving at the WFL

The reasons for making a planned gift to the WFL Foundation vary widely. For some, it could be to honor a loved one. For others, it might express gratitude for the service provided by the Library. Whatever your motivation, a planned gift gives you the assurance that you are being a good steward of your estate while leaving a legacy for an institution you care deeply about.

Bequests

A bequest is given from your estate, not from current income or savings, allowing you to reduce your taxable estate while retaining full control of your assets during your lifetime. You may bequeath any tangible asset that you own including cash, securities, tangible personal property, real estate, IRA or life insurance. A bequest is an excellent opportunity to leave a major gift, one that may be beyond your current giving capacity, as a caring way to ensure our Library remains a vital civic asset for future generations. A bequest can either be in a specific dollar amount or it can be a percentage of your estate after other gifts are fulfilled.

Sample Language to make a charitable bequest to the Wellesley Free Library

A general bequest

I give and bequeath the sum of __dollars ($____.00) to the Wellesley Free Library Foundation, a charitable organization in Wellesley, MA, for its general tax- exempt uses and purposes.

A residuary bequest

I give _____percent(___%) of the residue of my estate to the Wellesley Free Library Foundation, a charitable organization in Wellesley, MA, for its general tax- exempt uses and purposes.

The Wellesley Free Library Foundation Development Office would be honored to talk with you about giving options. However, you should always consult your own legal advisors before adding a charitable bequest to your will.

If you have questions about planned gifts to the Library or to notify us of an intended bequest, please contact: Jennifer Siedman,Director of Development 781-235-1610 x1127 jsiedman@minlib.net

The H. H. Hunnewell Society

The H. H. Hunnewell Society was established by the WFL Foundation to celebrate the generosity of the Wellesley Free Library’s historical father and the rich history of community support for the WFL. The H.H. Hunnewell Society is a group of forward- thinking individuals who have demonstrated their love for the Wellesley Free Library by making a planned gift.   There is no minimum gift to become a member of the H.H. Hunnewell Society; simply inform the Library that you have left a planned gift.

As a member of the H.H. Hunnewell Society, you will receive:

  • An invitation to the H.H. Hunnewell Tea held each spring.
  • Your gift will be acknowledged in the WFL Annual Report unless you prefer to remain anonymous.

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