Wills, Estates, Planned Giving, and
the Kestrel Legacy Circle

People just like you have made the decision to name our organization in their will or estate.
What a legacy; what a gift to conservation!

Your love for birds and nature can shape the future. Naming Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance in your will or estate is easy to do, and honors your commitment to our natural world for generations to come. The birds you love will continue to thrive in this landscape beyond your lifetime, made possible through your forethought.

Ways to create a legacy gift

1. Stated amount of cash

2. Real estate (houses, land, businesses)

3. Appreciated assets (stock investments or paintings, for example)

4. A portion of your retirement fund or life insurance policy

5. The residual after your estate has been processed pursuant to your wishes

Whatever you choose, your gift will make a difference for many, many years to come. 

Have you already made a gift to Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (or Badgerland Bird Alliance or Madison Audubon) in your will or trust? All there is left to do now is fill out this form. We want to say thank you for prioritizing Wisconsin’s birds and habitats in your lasting legacy.

Photos above: Pileated Woodpecker chicks by Phil Brown; two Kestrel Legacy Circle members (Kay and Fiona) holding kestrel chicks by SoWBA; a child soaks up the prairie experience by Brenna Marsicek

Sample language for will gifts

*We are undergoing a name change. If you have already named us in your will, don’t worry, you don’t need to change your will. The tax identification number will connect your bequest with our organization, regardless of name. Questions? Contact Becky Abel at babel@swibirds.org or 608-255-2473 x5.

Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance's tax identification number is 39-1393389.

Protecting your Interests

In addition to knowing that you are contributing to the mission of Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance in this meaningful way, you can also rest assured that:

• You don’t have to tell us about it. But if you choose (or have already chosen) to make an estate gift, we would be honored to welcome you as a member of the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance Kestrel Legacy Circle.

• Anyone can give a legacy gift—no matter your age or income.

• You have flexibility over time. Should your circumstances change, you can change your will at any time.

• You may be eligible for tax benefits. Depending on the size of your estate, and if it is subject to estate taxes, your gift could help lower your taxable estate. You won’t receive tax benefits during your lifetime. To do that, you would donate a gift of cash, stock, or life estate.

• You’re the boss. You can give whatever you like.

THE Kestrel Legacy Circle

The Kestrel Legacy Circle is a group of people who have made planned giving commitments to Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. Keep in mind that joining is not binding in any way, just a statement of intent and a way for us to thank you and celebrate your philanthropy. And it also encourages other people to make this important commitment to protect our natural resources forever. Should you decide to join, we would recognize you in our newsletters and website (if you so choose) and invite you to special events. 

Thank you to our Kestrel Legacy Circle members for ensuring that our organization will remain powerful, visionary, and strategic for years to come.

Give Non-Probate Assets

Did you know that some assets such as an IRA, 401(k), or life-insurance policy are not covered in your will or trust? These are called non-probate assets and you must plan your beneficiaries for them separately. You can designate Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance as a beneficiary to conserve Wisconsin’s birds and habitats for years to come. We are grateful for your thoughtfulness and support.

Questions? Feel free to contact Becky Abel, director of philanthropy, by phone (608-255-2473 x5) or email (babel@swibirds.org) to find the right way for you to help us plan for the future.

Banner photo: A soaring American kestrel, by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren