Including the National MS Society, Colorado Chapter in your estate plans is a meaningful way to demonstrate your commitment to the continuation of comprehensive Colorado Chapter programs and promising MS research efforts.
Through Your Will (Bequest)
A charitable bequest to the National MS Society can be a flexible and easy way to participate in supporting the MS movement. Bequests come in all sizes. For example, you may prefer that a bequest be for a specific amount or represent a percentage of your estate. Or, you could create a bequest that helps the MS Society after you have provided for your family and friends, called a residual bequest. All bequests are important to us regardless of size, and are gratefully received. Below is sample language for bequests. Always consult your professional advisor when making or revising your will. Please specify if you want your bequest to be used for a specific purpose such as local programs or research.
A bequest of a specific amount
I hereby give and bequeath to the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society the amount of $______ to be used for its [local programs, research or general purposes].
A bequest of a percentage of your estate
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ______% of my estate to be used for its [local programs, research or general purposes].
A bequest of whatever remains after all other bequests have been made (Residual Bequest)
I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society my residuary estate (or ______% of my residuary estate) to be used for its [local programs, research or general purposes].
A bequest only if certain other beneficiaries predecease you
In the event that ________________________ is not living at the time of my death, or declines to accept the bequest I am making to him/her, I wish his/her bequest to pass to the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to be used for its [local programs, research or general purposes]
Please be sure to also include our address:
National MS Society - Colorado Chapter
950 S. Broadway, Suite 250
Denver, CO 80209
Other Opportunities
Usually, when we think of planned gifts, a bequest most often comes to mind. However, there are a variety of other opportunities that can help you make a bigger contribution than you may have thought possible, receive some favorable tax benefits now, and possibly even provide a lifetime income for you or your family. Some favorite options include:
Life Insurance Policies or Pension Plans (IRA, Other Retirement Plans, etc.)
Either an old policy you no longer need, or a new one taken out especially for this purpose, might make a great gift to free the world of MS. To make the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy or pension plan, you simply need to complete a change of beneficiary form. To give the insurance policy itself to us, ask for an assignment of ownership form from the insurance company and fill it out. Please let us know in advance of doing either. A new policy can be assigned to the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society after you make the first premium payment. In some cases, there can be significant income and estate tax advantages for making a gift in this way.
Furnish the following suggested language to your insurance company or plan administrator.
I hereby designate the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as recipient of $_____ or _____% of the proceeds of my [insurance policy or retirement plan] to be used for its [local programs, research or general purposes].
Charitable Gift Annuity
With a gift today to the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, you can receive a tax deduction now, and also regular income payments for the rest of your life.
Charitable Trusts
There are a wide variety of tax-wise trust arrangements that can incorporate generous gifts to charity and offer tax savings.
For more information about planning a gift to the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, please call or e-mail Kristin Gibbs, our Vice President of Development, at kristin.gibbs@nmss.org or 303-698-5430.