Adding a Beneficiary Designation is Quick and Easy
Naming Shelburne Farms as the beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy is a quick and easy strategy, entirely separate from your Will, that requires no lawyers or fees. All it takes is completing a change of beneficiary form.
How it Works
- You request a "change of beneficiary" form from your plan administrator.
- You complete the form naming Shelburne Farms as a full or partial beneficiary.
- You submit the form to the plan administrator and notify Shelburne Farms of the gift intention.
Benefits
- Simplicity - these estate planning strategies require little paperwork.
- You decide who is to benefit and you may change your mind at any time.
- Should you die without a Will, these tools will keep designated assets out of probate.
- You enjoy the satisfaction of supporting what matters most to you.
Another Way to Designate a Beneficiary of your Bank and Investment Accounts
You may also transfer assets directly to Shelburne Farms and heirs without going through probate by naming Shelburne Farms as a beneficiary via a Payable-On-Death (POD) form with your bank or, if assets are held in an investment account, by creating a Transferable on Death (TOD) deed with your brokerage firm.
Carolyn Goodwin Kueffner
"Throughout my careers with The Nature Conservancy and the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at UVM, I was continually inspired by the profound impact individuals can have in advancing environmental stewardship and meaningful change. Shelburne Farms’ mission to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future resonates deeply with my values and life priorities. In support of that mission, I have chosen to designate a portion of my IRA to the Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools. It is my hope that this contribution will help empower students through transformative educational experiences - equipping them with the knowledge, curiosity, and commitment needed to lead us toward a more sustainable future."
Estate Planning FAQs
An estate plan is a crucial aspect of your financial wellness. Having a plan ensures that your wishes are honored after you are gone and your loved ones and the organizations you care about are taken care of. Estate plans indicate who will pay your final expenses and who will receive your assets such as financial accounts, stocks, life insurance policies, personal property, and real estate. Plans generally consist of one or more documents such as a Will, Trust, and/or beneficiary designation forms.
Dieter Gump
"I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know Shelburne Farms,” recalls Dieter Gump, active outdoorsman and retired University of Vermont professor.
A few years ago, Dieter discovered of a Life Insurance policy that he had paid in full and no longer needed. He requested a “change of beneficiary form” from his plan administrator and named Shelburne Farms as beneficiary of the policy. Thus Dieter and his wife Valerie were able to fulfill their dream of making a legacy gift. No lawyers, no fees – it was that simple.
Questions?
A planned gift is one of the most meaningful ways you can show appreciation for Shelburne Farms and support our mission. Through careful gift planning, people often discover that they are able to have even greater impact than they had imagined possible. Learn more about the Shelburne Farms Legacy Circle.
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