A Pie Analogy for Giving

Picture your estate as a pie. When you decide whom you want to share it with, you can cut big slices, little slices or somewhere in between.

We talk to many supporters of the Humane Society of the United States who worry that leaving a gift in their will to the HSUS may jeopardize their family’s well-being. The pie analogy comes in handy. You dictate the serving sizes. You can ensure that your loved ones get the biggest portion of your estate. You can also make sure your family gets served first.

Here is how:

Instead of a fixed amount, consider leaving the Humane Society of the United States a percentage of your estate or of specific assets. That way, your charitable gift will adjust according to future circumstances, and gifts to loved ones will remain proportional—no matter how your estate fluctuates. Here are two ways to do it:

1. Gift a percentage of your estate to the Humane Society of the United States in your will.
2. Leave the Humane Society of the United States a percentage of your residual estate (the portion of your estate that remains after all gifts and bequests have been made and all claims of the estate are satisfied).

The great thing about gifts from your will is that they are flexible: You can change your mind at any time. Just know that whatever you settle on, a gift to the Humane Society of the United States does not have to be large—every slice makes a difference.

Save a Slice for the Humane Society of the United States

Even a small piece of your estate makes an impact. Contact the Office of Planned Giving at 1-800-808-7858 or humanelegacy@humanesociety.org to learn more about supporting the HSUS while serving family first.