In last month’s newsletter, we explored two of the most simple and powerful ways to create a legacy of support for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs: Wills & Trusts and Beneficiary Designations in our article titled “Celebrate National Legacy Day: Leave a Lifesaving Legacy with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog.” If you missed that article, you can read it here.
Based upon the overwhelmingly positive response to last month’s article and the number of inquiries we received, we wanted to further expand on Legacy Giving, and how you can incorporate it into your legacy plans.
In this article, we will discuss two commonly held financial tools that fall under the Beneficiary Designation category. These options may already be part of your financial life, and with just a few simple steps, you can create a lasting impact and save lives for generations.
Bank Accounts, Investments, Stock, and CDs: A Legacy Within Reach
Many donors are pleasantly surprised to discover they already own financial tools that can easily become powerful instruments of generosity.
Everyday financial accounts such as checking and savings accounts, investment portfolios (including stock), and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) can effortlessly be transformed into meaningful legacies. By naming Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs as a beneficiary, you can transform your ordinary financial assets into an extraordinary, life-saving gift that can help many for years to come.
How to Set It Up:
Step 1
Contact your financial institution or account administrator and request a simple “Change of Beneficiary” form, also known as a Payable-on-Death (POD) or Transfer-on-Death (TOD) form.
Step 2
Complete the form, designating Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs as either a partial or sole beneficiary (choose any percentage you desire).
Step 3
Notify us once you’ve made your heartfelt choice. We’d be honored to acknowledge your generosity and celebrate your commitment to changing lives.
Taking these easy steps ensures your generosity continues to save lives far beyond your lifetime.
Life Insurance: Create Your Life-Saving Legacy
Using life insurance as part of your legacy planning is a straightforward yet profoundly impactful way to support Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. Whether you currently hold a life insurance policy or are considering obtaining one, designating Guardian Angels as a beneficiary transforms your policy into a powerful tool for saving lives.
This meaningful action delivers lasting hope, freedom, and independence to veterans, first responders, and other heroes we proudly serve.
If You Already Have a Policy:
- Request a “Change of Beneficiary” form from your insurer.
- Name Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs as your full or partial beneficiary (any percentage from 1% to 100%).
- Submit the completed form to finalize your legacy gift.
This process is simple and is typically completed within minutes.
If You’re Considering a New Policy or Don’t Have Life Insurance Yet:
- Obtain a new policy through your insurance agent or provider, designating Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs as your beneficiary from inception.
- Many affordable life insurance options are available, making legacy giving accessible to virtually every donor.
Whichever path you choose, your generosity ensures our mission continues, leaving a meaningful legacy that reverberates far beyond your lifetime.
Why Consider Legacy Giving?
Legacy gifts allow you to continue supporting the causes you care about without impacting your current finances. They are easy to set up, flexible, and allow your generosity to carry on well into the future.
Your Legacy. Their Lifeline.
By naming Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs in your financial plans, you’re helping provide independence, support, and hope to those in need. If you’ve already taken this step, we thank you. If you’re considering it, we’re here to help.
Please reach out to Chris Weber with any questions or to let us know about your plans by email Cweber@medicalservicedogs.org or call (248) 904-0579.
We would be honored to recognize your commitment to our mission.
Mrs. Borden’s expertise and accomplishments are acknowledged by numerous national awards from various industries and agencies including the 2018 Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year and multiple awards for her organization’s work in mental health and suicide prevention.
She is frequently requested as a Keynote Speaker, and as an Industry Consultant to teach service dog laws to judicial systems, attorneys, and businesses, and to assist in service dog bills in multiple states that were passed into law. In 2020, she started an Institute for Higher Learning and the Borden Veterinary Hospital. Additionally, she has written and teaches college-accredited/VA-approved apprenticeship courses on dog training and service dog training.
