Through a bequest, you can establish a new fund or give to an existing fund. Such gifts enable you to make significant contributions that may not have been possible during your lifetime.

When you remember BTCF in your will, you may reduce your estate taxes while supporting your community. You may give a specific dollar amount, property or a percentage of your estate. You may also give a remainder of your estate to BTCF, after bequests to family and friends. When planning a bequest to BTCF, be sure to talk with a member of our staff. We will help ensure that your wishes are clearly understood so that they can be carefully carried out in the future.

Benefits of a Charitable Bequest

  • Divide property between loved ones and your charitable interests asyou wish
  • Reduce your taxable estate
  • Leave a lasting legacy to charity

How a Bequest Works

A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make. With the help of an attorney, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift to be made to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation as part of your estate plan, or you can make a bequest using a beneficiary designation form.

Your bequest can specify the nonprofits or charitable purpose you wish to support, or you can entrust that decision to BTCF. Our staff's in-depth understanding of local community needs and knowledge about the nonprofits that address them will ensure your bequest is utilized in the most useful, efficient and significant way.

Sample Bequest Language

Here are four examples of language to direct your gift to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Please note: In accordance with IRS regulations, gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, based on the Foundation's 501(c)(3) public charity status under Federal ID #06-1254469.

  • PERCENTAGE: "I give to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (or name of fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation), a nonprofit corporation of the State of Connecticut, located at 800 North Main Street, Sheffield, MA, ____% of my estate."
  • SPECIFIC: "I give to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (or name of fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation), a nonprofit corporation of the State of Connecticut, located at 800 North Main Street, Sheffield, MA":

    (Choose one)

    a. The sum of $__________.

    b. ________shares of stock in __________Company, or

    c. My real property commonly known as___________. *Gifts of real property are subject to BTCF's gift acceptance policy.

  • RESIDUAL: "I give to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (or name of fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation), a nonprofit corporation of the State of Connecticut, located at 800 North Main Street, Sheffield, MA, all the residue of my estate all the residue of my estate, including real estate and personal property." *Gifts of real property are subject to BTCF's gift acceptance policy.
  • CONTINGENT: "In the event of the death of any of the beneficiaries, I give to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (or name of fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation), a nonprofit corporation of the State of Connecticut, located at 800 North Main Street, Sheffield, MA":, ____. (Percentage, specific, or residual language as above).