What is a planned gift?
Commonly called “planned gifts,” estate gifts can include:
- Bequests (wills and trusts)
- Retirement accounts and life insurance
- Securities and charitable trusts
- Real estate
- And more!
Gifts can be revocable or irrevocable, and designated to our most urgent needs or restricted to a specific location or program that is important to you.
With thoughtful planning, you can create win-win solutions for you and the animals and families served by the Wisconsin Humane Society — and we’re here to help! Our team is available to confidentially assist you in accomplishing your legacy goals, as estate gifts of any size can make an incredible impact!
How do I include WHS in my plans?
Including WHS in your will, trust, or as a beneficiary of your financial accounts is simple.
To ensure your gift is directed appropriately, please use the following information:
We are here to help as you navigate your legacy planning. Contact us if you’re in need of support, have questions, or if you’re interested in receiving an informational WHS Planned Giving Packet.
Buster’s Legacy Society
If you have already completed your estate plans and made the meaningful choice to include WHS, thank you and welcome to the Buster’s Legacy Society!
Please let us know by completing an enrollment form using the button below or by contacting our team. This allows us to recognize your generous commitment, share the special benefits of membership with you, and extend our sincere thanks.
Membership benefits include:
- Discounts in our online store
- Access to an exclusive merchandise line
- Invitations to our annual Buster’s Legacy Society celebrations
- And more!
Donor Testimonials
“I think that there are a lot of organizations to give to, and this one is special because of the work it does… because of the people, the staff. I see so many of the staff and volunteers putting such soulfulness into it, and [they] all work to save lives every day.”
Margaret V.
Buster’s Legacy Member
“We adopted our first dog from the shelter when we were in our mid-twenties. From that day on, we knew we would leave everything we had to the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) when we passed.”
Molly & Jeff H.
Buster’s Legacy Members
“As a volunteer for the Racine Campus, I directly get to observe the fabulous work that staff and other volunteers do every day to care for the animals and help them find homes.”
Karen A. & Keith T.
Buster’s Legacy Members
“Through their love and compassion for animals, WHS fills an important role in our community. To ensure that WHS will continue to thrive for future generations, we have chosen to include them in our estate plans.”
Brenda & Tony G.
Buster’s Legacy Members
“I believe that we are all connected in this world, not just humans and humans, but humans and animals also. As a longtime volunteer and donor, I feel the vision and work of the Wisconsin Humane Society needs to be supported.”
Patricia B.
Buster’s Legacy Member
If animals have always been an important part of your life, too, is there any better legacy to leave than helping to build a community where people value animals and treat them with respect and kindness?
Joyce M.
Buster’s Legacy Member
“When I retired from my library career, I knew I still wanted to make a difference in the world. I have been an animal lover and advocate for many many years, so it was a natural transition for me to become a volunteer at the Wisconsin Humane Society.”
Linda G.
Buster’s Legacy Member
“We are happy to have included Wisconsin Humane Society in our estate plans and hope others will consider doing the same.”
Nancy B. & LeRoy M.
Buster’s Legacy Member
“I highly encourage others to consider leaving a portion of their estate to the WHS. Animals give so much to us. Unconditional love. Comfort and laughter.”
Joette R.
Buster’s Legacy Member
Contact Our Team
Have questions or need to get in touch? We’d love to hear from you!
Meghan Hoffmann
Associate Director of Individual and Planned Giving
414-264-6257 x6146
plannedgiving@wihumane.org
If you’ve decided to include WHS in your plans through a gift of real estate, please complete our real estate intention form.
WHS is a 501(c)(3) organization and operates animal shelters in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Door, Brown, and Kenosha Counties, as well as a spay/neuter clinic in West Allis. WHS annually serves 65,000 animals and their families. We receive no general government funding, and we are not part of any national umbrella organization. For audited financial statements, tax identification information, and annual snapshots, please click here.