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Hudson River Stewards: Scenic Hudson's Planned Giving Society

Wills and Bequests

The most frequently used planned giving instrument is the will, a device that has been around hundreds of years. Each year thousands of individuals exercise their right to determine how the estate they have spent a lifetime accumulating is to be finally distributed. Through your will, you may specify the assets you would like to leave Scenic Hudson by creating a bequest. Then, after your lifetime, your estate can take a charitable deduction for the full amount of your bequest. Depending on the size of your estate, this can result in substantial tax savings. You will also receive membership in our planned giving society, the Hudson River Stewards, for this most significant gift.

Scenic Hudson accepts almost any kind of asset through a bequest, including cash, securities, real estate, or retirement plans. A bequest is deductible for federal estate tax purposes, and there is no limit on the amount of the estate tax charitable deduction.

Bequests

  • Are created in a will or revocable trust.
  • Offer unlimited charitable estate tax deduction.
  • Provide continued use of assets during your lifetime.
  • Are flexible—you may increase or decrease the amount at any time.
  • No minimum amount.
  • Allow the satisfaction of knowing your commitment to the Hudson River Valley continues after your lifetime.
  • Can be conveniently added with a simple codicil to your will rather than a revision or rewriting of it.

Suggested Language for Bequests

“I give [specify amount or property, percentage or residue] to Scenic Hudson, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, chartered in the State of New York, located at One Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, for its general purposes.”

If you’re planning to make Scenic Hudson one of your beneficiaries, we encourage you to tell us now. We can work with you or your advisors to make sure the bequest is planned and administered properly. It also gives us the opportunity to thank you and welcome you as a member of the Hudson River Stewards. Requests for anonymity are always respected.

“I love this land and don't want it developed after I'm gone. Working with Scenic Hudson, I've managed my assets and safeguarded this property forever. They took time to understand my wishes and have the integrity and professionalism to turn my vision into a lasting reality.”
—Gerald Morgan, Jr., Hyde Park