Bequests & Charitable Estate Planning
As an AMS member, donor, volunteer, or friend, you are committed to supporting mathematics. You can continue this support beyond your lifetime by providing for the AMS in your charitable estate plan, perpetuating your dedication to mathematics. Gifts of all sizes make a difference. Individuals who let us know that they have made a provision for the AMS in their estate plan may choose to be honored as a member of The Thomas S. Fiske Society
You can find out more by exploring the information contained in links below. AMS development staff will be happy to discuss your plans and philanthropic goals with you; please contact us. Please note that the AMS does not provide tax or legal advice, so we encourage you to consult with your professional advisor. We look forward to talking with you.
TYPES OF PLANNED GIFTS
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Bequests from a will or living trust
You can name the AMS as a beneficiary in your will or living trust (a living trust is a form of will that passes property to heirs outside of probate court), which are simple and flexible gift vehicles. If you decide to make a provision for the AMS, please share the following sample language with your attorney.
General Bequests are made by designating a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, or a fixed percentage of your estate to the AMS.
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Mathematical Society, Providence, Rhode Island, EIN 05-0264797, the sum of $________(or percentage of net estate, or a description of the specific asset), income and principal, for the benefit of the American Mathematical Society and its general purposes."
Specific Bequests are made when a particular item or property is bequeathed for a designated purpose.
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Mathematical Society, Providence, Rhode Island, EIN 05-0264797, the sum of $_______ (or percentage of net estate, or a description of a specific asset), income and principal, for the benefit of the American Mathematical Society to be used for the following purpose: (state the purpose). If at any time in the judgment of the trustees of the American Mathematical Society it is impossible or impracticable to carry out exactly the designated purpose, they shall determine an alternative purpose closest to the designated purpose."
Residuary Bequests are made when you intend to leave the residue portion of your assets after other terms of the will have been satisfied.
"All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, I give to the American Mathematical Society, Providence, Rhode Island, EIN 05-0264797, for its general purposes."
Contingency Bequests allow you to leave a portion of your estate to the AMS if your named beneficiary does not survive you.
"I devise and bequeath the residue of the property, real and personal and wherever situated, owned by me at my death, to (name of beneficiary), if (she/he) survives me. If (name of beneficiary) does not survive me, I devise and bequeath my residuary estate the American Mathematical Society, Providence, Rhode Island, EIN 05-0264797, for its general purposes."
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Beneficiary Designations
You may designate the AMS as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, life insurance policy, donor advised fund, or savings or brokerage account (no will or living trust is needed). To designate a beneficiary, contact your financial institution or insurance company to request a change of beneficiary form.
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Charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts
You may establish a charitable trust at a financial institution with cash, securities or other appreciated assets.
A charitable remainder trust allows you, or those you designate, to receive variable (unitrust) or fixed (annuity trust) annual income for life or for a specified period. Once this term is complete, the balance of the trust passes to the AMS or other charitable beneficiary you have designated.
A charitable lead trust allows the AMS, or charitable beneficiary you designate, to receive variable (unitrust) or fixed (annuity trust) annual income for your lifetime or for a specified period. Once this term is complete, the balance of the trust passes to your heirs.
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Charitable gift annuities
At this time, the AMS does not offer charitable gift annuities.
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Donor advised funds
You may designate the AMS as a beneficiary of your donor advised fund (DAF). You may also make provision for your DAF in your will or living trust, with instructions to grant out either the balance or a percentage of the assets over time to the AMS.
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Real estate and other assets
We consider gifts of real estate on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Society gift acceptance policies. Such donations may include residences, vacation homes, business or commercial property (developed or undeveloped). Other assets that can be donated include gifts of tangible personal property such as artwork, royalties, or distribution rights. If you have an idea or question regarding an asset that you wish to bequeath to the AMS, please Contact AMS Development.
FAQs
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Why make a will?
Establishing a will or living trust allows your assets to be distributed according to your wishes. It allows you to provide for your family and can be tax-efficient for you or your heirs. You can make provisions for charitable causes that you believe in and which will transmit your values into the future.
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Do I have to be wealthy to make a bequest?
No. Small or large, your gift will make a difference to the causes you care about. A planned gift may allow you to make a larger contribution – and therefore have a larger impact – than would be possible during your lifetime.
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What can I support?
Unrestricted gifts give maximum flexibility to the AMS to carry out its mission and address the most pressing mathematical priorities at hand. You may wish to direct your gift to a broadly stated purpose such as:
- support for early career mathematicians;
- advocacy, education, and diversity;
- promoting awareness and appreciation of mathematics;
- resources to facilitate collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing;
- prizes and awards.
Broadly stated purposes allow your gift to meet evolving needs over time. We encourage you to talk to AMS Development staff as you make your charitable estate plans to ensure your gift can be used according to your wishes.
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When will my gift be used?
You may specify whether you want your gift to be fully spent or invested:
- Spendable funds are used in their entirety to carry out the purpose of your gift.
- Endowed funds are fully invested by the AMS and generate interest income each year, in perpetuity, for the purpose you specify.
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Can I create a named endowed fund with a bequest?
Yes. You may wish to honor a mentor, a colleague, or your own family name. Endowed funds have minimum required amounts. Please contact AMS development staff for more information.
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How will I be recognized?
Named after AMS founder Thomas S. Fiske, the Fiske Society honors individuals who have made a provision for the AMS in their estate plan. Upon joining, you will receive the following benefits:
- the assurance that your gift will advance mathematics beyond your lifetime;
- a Fiske Society memento;
- special invitations and mailings;
- recognition on the Donor Wall of Honor at our Providence headquarters;
- recognition on the annual Contributors List.
You will become a member by letting us know you have made a gift to the AMS in your will or trust, or you’ve designated us as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, life insurance policy, or other vehicle. No documentation is required, but sharing your plans with us may help to ensure we will be able to carry out your intentions. You may choose to remain anonymous if you wish, and information you share with us will remain confidential. Find out more about the Thomas S. Fiske Society.
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Why the American Mathematical Society?
With over 130 years of experience, the AMS is led in volunteer governance by mathematicians for mathematicians. Its consistent financial stability, long history of service to the profession, and profound respect for mathematics mean that the AMS is committed to the needs of future generations. The American Mathematical Society will be a respectful and dedicated steward of your gift.