Planned Giving: Leave a Lasting Legacy for Bears

The desire to leave a lasting impact—for wildlife, wild places, and future generations—often leads people to think about the legacy they will one day leave behind. Planned giving is a meaningful way to ensure that your values live on by providing future support to the American Bear Association (ABA) and the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary.

Your planned gift helps safeguard the future of wild black bears through education, research, habitat protection, and advocacy. With thoughtful planning, you can make a powerful difference for bears while also meeting your personal and financial goals.

About the American Bear Association

The American Bear Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of wild black bears through education and understanding. ABA operates the world-famous Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Minnesota—an open classroom where people can observe wild bears behaving naturally in their habitat.

Legal Name: American Bear Association
Tax ID (EIN): 41-1802130
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 77 Orr, MN 55771

Common Planned Giving Options

Planned gifts can take many forms, and the right option depends on your personal circumstances. We encourage you to consult with your attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional to determine what works best for you.

Bequests (Wills or Living Trusts)

One of the most common and flexible ways to support the American Bear Association is by including a bequest in your will or living trust. A bequest may consist of cash, securities, real estate, or other property.

Benefits of a bequest include:

  • No cost to you during your lifetime

  • Full control and use of your assets while you’re living

  • Flexibility to modify your bequest if circumstances change

  • Charitable bequests are generally exempt from federal estate taxes

Sample Bequest Language:

“I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Bear Association, a nonprofit organization organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota, Tax ID #, the sum of $ (or ___% of my estate / the residue of my estate), to be used for its general charitable purposes.”

Your attorney can help tailor this language to your specific wishes.

Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation

By naming the American Bear Association as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, you can make a meaningful future gift to support bears and conservation. This option may also provide a charitable deduction to your estate.

If you would like assistance with beneficiary designation information, please contact us.

Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k), etc.)

Retirement assets are often among the most tax-efficient gifts to donate. IRA owners are required to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), which are typically taxable. In some cases, directing distributions to a qualified nonprofit like the American Bear Association may reduce or eliminate tax liability.

Please consult with your IRA custodian and accountant to determine whether this option is right for you.

Gifts of Other Assets

Donations of other assets—such as stocks, real estate, vehicles, or other property—may also be used to support the mission of the American Bear Association. These gifts can sometimes offer additional tax advantages.

If you are considering a non-cash gift, we would be happy to discuss options with you.

How Your Legacy Gift Helps Bears

Planned gifts provide long-term stability and ensure that our work continues well into the future. Your legacy may help:

  • Protect and advocate for wild black bears

  • Support education programs that foster coexistence

  • Preserve habitat and natural behaviors

  • Sustain the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary for generations to come

Your generosity helps ensure that bears remain wild—and understood.

Let Us Know (Optional)

If you have already included the American Bear Association in your estate or financial plans, we would be honored to thank you and learn more about your wishes. Notifying us is entirely optional and does not make your gift legally binding. All donor intent is respected, and anonymity is always honored upon request.

Contact Us

If you have questions or would like to discuss planned giving options, please contact:

Stephanie Horner
Executive Director, American Bear Association
📞 218-757-0172
📧 bears@americanbear.org

Important Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. The American Bear Association does not provide legal or tax advisory services. We encourage you to consult with a qualified attorney or tax professional when considering planned gifts.