Bequests

Through a simple charitable bequest in your will or living trust, you can arrange a lasting, meaningful gift for Iowa’s land.

How it works.

It is easy to include Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in your estate plan by adding a simple codicil to an existing will or by including language in a will you are currently having drafted.

Please talk with INHF staff about your plans, so we can be certain we understand your intentions for the future use of your gifts.

Benefits.

  • A bequest through your will or living trust keeps all your assets available to you during your lifetime.
     
  • You can revise a bequest at any time to reflect changes in your personal situation or changes in your philanthropic goals.

Where do I begin?

  • Discuss your bequest ideas with Foundation staff. E-mail Cheri Grauer, INHF Gift Planner, or call (800) 475-1846. She can provide suggestions on how you might shape your bequest given your interests.
  • Talk to your attorney.
  • Refer to the sample bequest language on the right side of this page.

While Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation makes every effort to give you accurate information, you should also consult your trusted professionals for legal, financial, insurance, or estate planning advice. The INHF staff are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. 

How to name INHF in your will

1. Choose to give specific assets, or a portion or your estate, or your residual estate after payment of other bequests.

2. Choose if INHF should use your gift for a specific purpose, or wherever the need is greatest.
 

Sample bequest language:

Specific amount: "I give to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, located in Des Moines, Iowa, the sum of $_______ to be used by the Foundation wherever the need is greatest."

Specific property: "I give to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, located in Des Moines, Iowa, all of my right, title and interest in the following described real estate [insert legal description of land] to be used by the Foundation wherever the need is greatest."
(More information on donating land)

Portion of estate: "I give to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, located in Des Moines, Iowa ____% of my estate to be used by the Foundation for the protection and restoration of wildlife areas in Iowa."

Residual estate (after other bequests are named): "I give to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, located in Des Moines, Iowa, the rest and residue of my estate to be used by the Foundation wherever the need is greatest."

Federal Tax ID #42-1127544