A.D.O.P.T. Legacy Giving

Since 1989, A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter has gone above and beyond to help homeless animals find loving, forever homes

That commitment has grown to include high-quality, affordable medical care through A.D.O.P.T.’s Community Clinic, and positive, reward-based training and education through A.D.O.P.T.’s Training Center—where pets and people learn to communicate, trust, and thrive together. None of this happens without donors who believe—deeply and generously—in compassion and second chances. Whether an animal stays a few days or many months, our volunteers and staff work together to ensure every pet receives the very best love and care.

To those who choose A.D.O.P.T. as part of their legacy: we are profoundly, genuinely, and endlessly grateful. Your generosity becomes a powerful act of love that continues long after your lifetime. Your belief in our mission becomes part of every heartbeat we save, every fear we soothe, and every family we bring together.

Legacy donors are part of this circle of care. Through planned gifts, you can make a lasting impact for animals—well beyond your lifetime.

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What Is Legacy (Planned) Giving?

Legacy giving allows you to support A.D.O.P.T. through your estate or long-term financial plans. Gifts can be a percentage of your estate, a specific amount, or assets like retirement funds, life insurance, stocks, or property.

Thank you for choosing A.D.O.P.T. Your compassion ensures that kindness, healing, and hope will reach generations of pets and people still to come.

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A.D.O.P.T. Ways to Give

Bequests (Will or Trust) & Retirement Accounts

Name A.D.O.P.T. as a beneficiary of your will, trust, IRA, or 401(k)—either for a specific amount or a percentage. Please include our legal name and EIN in your documents:

Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment (A.D.O.P.T.)
EIN: 36-3683984
420 Industrial Drive, Naperville, IL 60563

Consult your attorney or advisor to choose the language that best fits your goals.

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

If you are age 70½ or older, you can give directly from a Traditional or Inherited IRA to A.D.O.P.T. A QCD may be excluded from taxable income (up to $108,000 per year as of 2025) and, once Required Minimum Distributions begin (currently age 73), can help reduce taxable income.

Start by contacting your IRA administrator.
(Note: QCDs are not available from Roth IRAs.)

Life Insurance & Annuities

Name A.D.O.P.T. as a beneficiary of a new or existing life insurance policy or annuity to extend your compassion far into the future.

Appreciated Securities & Other Assets

Donating highly appreciated stock may allow you to avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the fair market value.

Gifts of real property may also be possible—please contact us to discuss details.

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

Recommend a grant to A.D.O.P.T. from your DAF now or on a recurring basis. You may also name A.D.O.P.T. as a successor beneficiary of your DAF.

You can give directly through DAFpay to make the process quick and secure.

Important Note:

A.D.O.P.T. does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your attorney, tax professional, and financial advisor to determine the best strategy for your situation.

Legacy Recognition

Legacy donors join a community of compassionate supporters dedicated to saving lives through rescue, medical care, and training

We recognize cumulative legacy commitments with the following giving tiers:

LEGACY TIERS
Bronze Paw $1,000 – $9,999
Silver Paw $10,000 – $24,999
Gold Paw $25,000 – $99,999
Platinum Paw $100,000 and above
*If you prefer to remain anonymous, we will always honor your wishes.

Suggested Beneficiary Language

“I give to A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter, a nonprofit organization (EIN: 36-3683984), currently located at 420 Industrial Drive, Naperville, IL 60563, the [sum of $____ / ____% of my estate / the following described property] to be used for its general charitable purposes.”

We’re Here to Help - Have questions or want to talk through your options?
We would love to connect with you:

  • Chris Yelle - Executive Director, A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter
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Sample Bequest Language