Legacy & Non-Cash Gifts
More Ways to Help Pets Find the Road Home
Giving does not have to look one way.
Some supporters give monthly. Some donate supplies. Others support MARS through donor-advised funds, stock gifts, estate plans, IRA gifts, or beneficiary designations.
However you choose to give, your support helps keep the road home open for pets who need care, safety, and a second chance.
If you are considering a legacy or non-cash gift to MARS, please contact us first so we can confirm the information needed and make sure your gift is properly acknowledged.
Choose Your Path
Donor-Advised Funds
Recommend a grant to MARS through your donor-advised fund provider. Please contact us first so we can confirm details and properly record your gift.
Stock Gifts
A gift of stock or appreciated securities may be an option for some donors. Contact MARS before initiating a transfer so we can provide current instructions.
Planned or Estate Gifts
Include MARS in your will, trust, or estate plans in a way that reflects your wishes and helps future animals and families.
IRA Gifts
Eligible donors may be able to give through an IRA qualified charitable distribution. Please speak with your plan administrator or advisor first.
Beneficiary Designations
You may be able to name MARS as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or other account.
Other Non-Cash Gifts
Have another type of gift in mind? Contact MARS before making arrangements so we can determine whether it can be accepted.
Giving Options Beyond a Standard Donation
There are many ways to support MARS, and the right option depends on your personal giving goals, financial situation, and the accounts or assets you already have.
MARS cannot provide legal, tax, or financial advice, but we are happy to help provide the basic organization information your advisor, attorney, tax professional, or plan administrator may need.
Donor-Advised Fund Gifts
A donor-advised fund, often called a DAF, allows you to recommend grants to nonprofit organizations from an account you have already established for charitable giving. If you have a donor-advised fund through a community foundation, financial institution, workplace giving platform, or other provider, you may be able to recommend a grant to Midwest Animal Rescue & Services. Before submitting a DAF grant, please contact MARS at Camille@midwestanimalrescue.org so we can confirm the correct organization information and watch for the gift. This helps us record your gift accurately and acknowledge it properly. Suggested donor note: “Please direct this grant to Midwest Animal Rescue & Services for general operating support unless otherwise specified.”
Stock or Appreciated Securities Gifts
Donating stock or appreciated securities may allow you to support MARS in a meaningful way without making a cash gift. Because stock gifts require specific transfer instructions, please contact MARS before initiating a transfer. This helps us confirm the correct instructions, identify the gift when it arrives, and make sure it is recorded under the correct donor name. Please email Camille@midwestanimalrescue.org before sending stock or securities.
Planned Giving & Estate Gifts
A planned gift is a way to include MARS in your long-term charitable plans. For some supporters, this may mean leaving a gift through a will, trust, estate plan, or other future arrangement. These gifts can help sustain the work of MARS for animals and families in the years ahead, supporting foster care, adoption, veterinary services, transport, intake, and community support. You do not need to make a large gift to leave a meaningful legacy. A planned gift can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of an estate, or what remains after other loved ones and priorities are cared for. If you are considering including MARS in your plans, we encourage you to speak with your attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. MARS can provide organization details, but we cannot provide legal or financial advice.
Optional sample wording to discuss with your advisor:
“I give to Midwest Animal Rescue & Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, _% of my estate, or $__, for its unrestricted charitable use.”
IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions
If you are eligible to make a qualified charitable distribution from an IRA, sometimes called a QCD, you may be able to direct a gift to MARS from your IRA. Because rules and eligibility can vary, please speak with your IRA administrator, financial advisor, or tax professional before initiating this type of gift. If you plan to send an IRA gift to MARS, please contact us at Camille@midwestanimalrescue.org so we can confirm the details needed to receive and record the gift correctly.
Beneficiary Designations
Some supporters choose to name a nonprofit as a beneficiary of an account, policy, or plan. This may include retirement accounts, life insurance policies, investment accounts, bank accounts, or other assets. Beneficiary designations are often handled directly through the account provider or plan administrator. You may be able to name Midwest Animal Rescue & Services as a full or partial beneficiary. Please speak with your plan administrator, attorney, or financial advisor to determine what is appropriate for your situation. If MARS is included as a beneficiary, we would be grateful to know so we can understand your intentions and honor your support.
Other Non-Cash Gifts
Some donors may wish to support MARS through gifts other than cash, stock, or planned giving. These may include certain assets, property, vehicles, or other non-cash items. Because not every non-cash gift can be accepted, please contact MARS before making arrangements. This allows us to review the gift, understand any restrictions or requirements, and determine whether it is a good fit for the organization.
Helpful Information for Donors and Advisors
Legal name:
Midwest Animal Rescue & Services
Organization type:
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
EIN:
20-8496665
Email for questions:
Camille@midwestanimalrescue.org
Please contact MARS before initiating stock gifts, donor-advised fund grants, IRA gifts, or other complex gifts. This helps us confirm the correct information, identify the gift when it arrives, and acknowledge your generosity accurately.
Your Gift Can Support
Legacy and non-cash gifts help MARS continue the work that happens every day, including:
Foster homes for pets waiting for adoption
Veterinary care through our community clinic
Transport and intake for animals with nowhere else to go
Adoption support and post-adoption resources
Community support that helps pets and people stay together
A Gentle Note
MARS does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. The information on this page is intended to help supporters understand giving options that may be available.
Before making decisions about planned gifts, estate gifts, IRA gifts, stock gifts, or other non-cash gifts, please speak with your attorney, financial advisor, tax professional, or plan administrator.
We are always happy to provide basic organization information and help coordinate gift instructions when needed.
Thank You for Thinking of MARS
Legacy and non-cash gifts help keep the mission moving forward for pets who need foster homes, veterinary care, adoption support, transport, and a safe road home.
Thank you for considering a gift that supports the future of Midwest Animal Rescue & Services.