Remember When You Wanted to Change the World?
At Assistance Dogs of the West, we value you — and every two and four-legged being — that strives to bring greater hope, resiliency, and purposefulness to this world. You believe in the core value of respect for the singular bond between humans and dogs and their unique ability to work as a team. Qualities of kindness, gentleness, and respect in training dogs to assist humans define everything we do. Our compassionate training approach facilitates the deepest possible bond between humans and animals and makes the programs of ADW a model across the country.
The Assistance Dogs of the West family lifts-up successful partnerships between clients and dogs, as we empower people and open doors to new opportunities. We haven’t saved the world yet, but together we make a remarkable impact. Together, we, and uniquely trained Assistance Dogs of the West canines, support individuals with mobility impairments; autism; developmental disabilities; seizure disorders; veterans living with anxiety, PTSD, mobility impairments; victims of mass violence incidents; and children and elders in criminal justice settings. Today, you are making a difference. Thank you. When you join the Lifetime Partners Society you will sustain the change you believe in and guarantee that change will continue, far into the future.
If you’d like to talk to someone directly about joining the Lifetime Partners Society or legacy giving in general, please give us a call at 505-986-9748 or email Linda Milanesi at linda@assistancedogsofthewest.org.
Become a Founding Member
As a member of the Lifetime Partners Society you assure successful client dog partnerships for future generations. To become a founding member, make a planned gift to Assistance Dogs of the West in 2024 or 2025. You will find that taking this proactive step will bring a deep sense of satisfaction and will guarantee your generosity and good-work live on for years to come. With your permission, we will recognize you, as a founding member, at The ADW Canine-Assisted Wellness Center.
“If you want to change the future, you must change what you’re doing in the present.”
Planned Gifts
A planned gift is one of the most impactful ways to support the future. Much more than a financial aspiration — it’s a chance to make an enduring impact on the world and pass along the values that have guided your life. It is simply a financial or estate plan you make to benefit the future of ADW, such as gifts of equity, life insurance, real estate, personal property, or cash.
Forms of Planned Giving
Bequest in a Will
The easiest and most common way of making a planned gift is through a bequest in your will. You can designate a percentage of your estate, a specific amount of money, or even a specific asset, such as a vehicle. Assistance Dogs of the West can also be named as a contingent beneficiary.
Gift of Real Estate
Deed your home or vacation property to Assistance Dogs of the West and retain the right to live in the property and/or receive income from the property for as long as you or your beneficiaries live. A life estate gift reduces capital gains, inheritance and estate taxes and also offers an income tax deduction.
“When our disabled daughter was matched with her beloved companion Peaches at ADW, we became lifelong supporters. Their important work is accomplished with intelligent design and utmost caring for the dogs and their lucky recipients. ADW has developed a national standard for service dogs and we are honored to be associated with such a wonderful organization.”
Life Insurance
Life insurance can be used to make a significant gift to Assistance Dogs of the West. For example, you can purchase a new policy and make Assistance Dogs of the West the owner and beneficiary, or the contingent beneficiary. Or make Assistance Dogs of the West the owner and beneficiary of an existing policy you no longer need.
Life Income Gifts
Gifts such as a charitable gift annuity, a charitable remainder trust, or a pooled income fund provide you and/or your designated beneficiary income for life. Upon your passing, Assistance Dogs of the West receives the gift. Life income gifts generally reduce or eliminate certain taxes and guarantee an income for life.
“I believe in ADW. I have faith in the organization and its financial integrity. I know ADW will exist in the future and I would like, in some modest way, to play a part in that future.”
T.Spencer Wright, former Board Treasurer and longtime supporter.
Retirement Plans
Name Assistance Dogs of the West as a beneficiary of your pension, 401k, 403b, IRA or other retirement plan. This gift could be the most cost-effective that you make, because you avoid possible double taxation on retirement plan assets left to your heirs.
IRA Rollover/Qualified Charitable Contribution
If you are 72, or older (70 ½ if you reach 70 ½ before January 1, 2020), make a tax-free distribution from your retirement account and benefit.
• Satisfy your required minimum distribution
• Avoid paying income tax on the distribution
• Receive tax benefits even if you don’t itemize your deductions
• Help reduce highly taxed assets
ADW has really captured a piece of my heart. To have even a small impact on developing these amazing dogs to serve our society is such an honor. The level of dedication everyone at ADW displays really resonates with me and as a result I plan to continue volunteering my time and resources without hesitation.
ADW Board Member and longtime volunteer Joleen Roe with her granddaughter Maria