Estate Gifts
One of the many ways that friends can choose to express their deep commitment to public radio is by naming WMRA in their will or trust. This is a way to make a lasting contribution without affecting your current financial security and freedom.
A bequest is a gift made through a will or trust. It’s the most popular type of planned gift and one of the easiest to make. A bequest typically involves a set dollar amount or a percentage of an estate. A bequest can be included in a new will or added to an existing one through a simple amendment known as a “codicil.”
WMRA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization licensed to James Madison University.
If you are naming a percentage of your estate, or a fixed amount of cash, please indicate the gift be given to WMRA Public Radio of James Madison University.
EIN: 54-6001756
Address: 983 Reservoir St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801
If you are intending to give to the WMRA Endowment, give a gift of stock, or other non-liquid asset, please designate the gift to The James Madison University Foundation, Inc. for the benefit of WMRA Public Radio.
EIN: 23-7156305
In both cases, WMRA will be the sole recipient of your gift.
Leaving a legacy
One of the most satisfying things you will be able to do by taking time to plan your estate is to make decisions to benefit some of the worthy institutions and organizations you have supported during life. In fact, many of the most significant gifts that non-profits receive come from the estates of regular contributors who decide to share a portion of their accumulated assets later on, after taking care of family and friends.
WMRA’s long-term stability is based on solid planning, which will ensure that we are here in the future to serve our community. Your thoughtful choice to include WMRA in your estate plans would go a long way toward helping make this future a reality.
You may choose to give a percentage of your estate, or all or part of the residue that is left over after all other bequests are made. Specific sums and other property are also welcome.
FAQ
What about trusts?
More and more people have supplemented their estate plans with a tool known as a revocable living trust. Property may be transferred at death via instructions in the trust just as it would with a typical will. And the trust allows one to provide for the management of assets while the creator of the trust is still living and may help save estate taxes. This can add to peace of mind if one is alone and worried about what might happen with their affairs should they become unable to manage them. A trust may also be useful in providing support for dependents.
With such a trust, do I still need a will?
Yes. You will still need at least a simple will to take care of "loose ends." Such a will may simply direct that any property not already in the trust be transferred to it to be handled along with the other trust assets.
Is my will private?
Unless you choose to share it, your will remains private as long as you are living. Upon death, wills generally become part of the public record available from the court. Trusts, on the other hand, can remain confidential.
If you choose to remember us in your plans, we welcome your letting us know so we may say "thank you!" If you prefer, we will keep the fact of your bequest intention confidential. We understand fully if you prefer not to share specific amounts or if you have no way of knowing what might be left over for your charitable gifts.
For more information
There are many ways to plan special gifts for WMRA and your other charitable interests; a bequest through your will is just one. Whatever your plans may be, we encourage you to call or write for more information, without obligation.
National Public Radio and WMRA are not engaged in rendering legal or tax advisory service. For advice and assistance in specific cases, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained. State laws govern wills, trusts and charitable gifts made in a contractual agreement. Advice from legal counsel should be sought when considering these types of gifts.
Please call or write Matt Bingay for more information.
Matt Bingay, Executive Director
WMRA-WEMC, 983 Reservoir St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(540) 568-6221 or (800) 677-9672