Planned Giving
If you're concerned that the rights you've enjoyed under the Second Amendment may not last for your children or grandchildren to experience and cherish, consider providing for a legacy of freedom.
When you make a commitment through your will or other planned gift, you'll be contributing to the programs and activities of Buckeye Firearms Association.
How to Include BFA in Your Estate Plans
Each individual or family situation is unique, and this extends to planning gifts to Buckeye Firearms Association and other worthy organizations. Here are several options for a planned gift:
Bequests - One of the most popular ways to give, a bequest can be made through gifts of cash, securities, personal property, firearms or real estate.
Retirement Accounts - Properly designated charitable gifts of retirement accounts bypass probate, avoid taxation, and reduce the size of your taxable estate.
Life Insurance Policies - A convenient way to support BFA programs and multiply your ability to give, a life insurance gift simply allows you to designate BFA as the beneficiary of your policy. Gifts of life insurance are tax-deductible when our 501(c)(3) charitable Foundation is the irrevocable owner and beneficiary of the policy.
Other Options - Additional giving opportunities include charitable lead trusts. This option allows you to care for your family while also supporting your favorite causes.
Suggested Bequest Language
Use these suggestions as a reference point when you write or update your will, trust, or other estate plans. After reading and completing these steps, you will be prepared to meet with an attorney and leave a gift to BFA.
Step 1: Choose a Beneficiary
Choose the organization you wish to support. Be sure to use the FULL NAME of the organization in all legal documentation.
- Buckeye Firearms Association Inc. is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. This is our core organization dedicated to defending and advancing the right of citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities, including self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation. Donations to our Association are not tax-deductible.
- Buckeye Firearms Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. This is our sister organization that sponsors educational projects, initiates litigation against those who violate your rights, and provides grants to individuals and organizations worthy of our support. The Foundation also sponsors the FASTER Saves Lives program that trains educators to respond quickly and effectively to life-threatening school violence. Donations to our Foundation are tax-deductible.
- Buckeye Firearms Association PAC is a political action committee. This organization supports pro-Second Amendment candidates running for office in the state of Ohio through endorsements and financial contributions. State law limits contributions to $12,155.52 to the same the political action committee in a calendar year. You can find more information about campaign contributions from the Ohio State Bar Association.
Step 2: Determine Your Type of Gift
The following is suggested language for your advisors to integrate into your will, trust, or other beneficiary designation. The type of gift you would like to make will determine the correct paragraph to choose.
For instance, if you know you want to leave a specific amount, choose suggestion “a” for a specific bequest and fill in the blanks. If you want to leave a percentage of your entire estate, choose suggestion “b” for a residuary bequest and fill in the blanks. Suggestion “c” is for non-monetary gifts and you may use it for firearms or other personal property. Use the beneficiary you chose in Step 1 to fill in the blanks below.
NOTE: We strongly urge you to consult with an attorney to ensure that your ultimate wishes and charitable goals will be realized.
a) Specific Bequest
I give, devise and bequeath to the [fill in the beneficiary from step 1], 1335 Dublin Road, Columbus, Suite 212-A, Columbus, OH 43215 the sum of $__________ (or here otherwise describe the gift) for general purposes as shall be determined by its Board of Directors.
b) Residuary Bequest
All [or state a %] of the rest, residue, and remainder of my property, both real and personal and wheresoever situated, I give, devise and bequeath to the [fill in the beneficiary from step 1], 1335 Dublin Road, Columbus, Suite 212-A, Columbus, OH 43215, for general purposes as shall be determined by its Board of Directors.
c) Gift of Firearms or Other Personal Property
I give, devise and bequeath to [fill in the beneficiary from step 1], 1335 Dublin Road, Columbus, Suite 212-A, Columbus, OH 43215, [here describe the gift, for example: coins, property, and/or firearms] for general purposes as shall be determined by its Board of Directors.
Totten Trust Alternative
The three options above may go through probate. A Totten trust is a way to pass on a gift without going through the probate process. It is also referred to as a "Payable on Death" account, which is a form of trust in the United States in which one party (the settlor or "grantor" of the trust) places money in a bank account or security with instructions that upon the settlor's death, whatever is in that account will pass to a named beneficiary. You can set up a Totten Trust directly with your bank.
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment to have Your Will, Trust or Other Plans Updated
Your legal professional may have other preferred text. The suggestions above should be used only as a guide.
Step 4: Notify Buckeye Firearms Association
Call us at 614-715-GUNS (614-715-4867) to let us know about your planned gift. We also encourage you to provide us with a copy of your gift. If you wish for your gift to remain anonymous, please be sure to let us know.
