Planned Giving
Leave a Legacy of Compassion
Your love for animals can continue creating a more humane Charlotte for generations to come.
A planned gift to the Humane Society of Charlotte helps ensure pets and the people who love them have access to care, support, and second chances long into the future.
Whether through a will, trust, retirement account, or beneficiary designation, your legacy can help keep families together, provide lifesaving veterinary care, support adoptions, and strengthen the bond between people and pets across our community.
As a private, independent nonprofit, every gift to HSC stays local and directly supports animals and families in the Charlotte region.
Build a Legacy That Reflects Your Values
Planned giving is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to support the future of animal welfare in Charlotte.
No matter your age or stage of life, creating a plan allows you to care for the people, pets, and causes you love most. Many planned gifts can be arranged in just a few minutes and may cost nothing today.
When you include HSC in your plans, you become part of a community committed to compassion, connection, and a stronger future for animals and people alike.
Ways to Leave a Legacy
Include HSC in Your Will or Living Trust
A gift in your will or trust helps ensure future generations of pets and families have access to care and support when they need it most.
We’ve partnered with FreeWill to offer a secure, free estate planning tool that allows you to create your legal will in about 20 minutes.
Already working with an attorney? You can still use the tool to organize your wishes and prepare your plans ahead of time.
Name HSC as a Beneficiary
Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, donor-advised funds, and investment accounts can all be used to create lasting impact.
Using FreeWill’s beneficiary planning tool, you can document your wishes and receive step-by-step instructions for naming Humane Society of Charlotte as a beneficiary.
Protect the Pets You Love
For many people, pets are family. Planning ahead can provide peace of mind knowing your companion animals will continue receiving love and care if something happens to you.
If you would like HSC to assist with future pet guardianship planning, we invite you to complete our Pet Guardianship Agreement. If you would like HSC to take in your pet(s) at the time of your passing, please fill out the Pet Guardianship Agreement and submit it to our Philanthropy team.
Join the Legacy Society
The HSC Legacy Society recognizes compassionate supporters who have included Humane Society of Charlotte in their long-term plans.
Legacy Society members help sustain lifesaving programs for years to come while inspiring a culture of care throughout our community.
Members may receive:
• Recognition on our donor wall and website
• Invitations to special events and behind-the-scenes experiences
• Updates about the lasting impact of planned gifts
• Opportunities to connect with fellow supporters who share a vision for a more humane Charlotte
Anonymous recognition is always respected.
You Don’t Need to Be Retired to Make a Planned Gift
Planned giving is not only for later in life. Many supporters in their 20s, 30s, and 40s choose to include charitable giving in their financial plans because it reflects the values they want to carry forward.
Even a small percentage of a retirement account or life insurance policy can create meaningful impact for animals and families in the future. Planning ahead is simply another way to care for the community you love.
A Future Built Together
Every planned gift helps create a future where:
• More pets stay with the people who love them
• Families can access affordable veterinary care
• Animals find safety, healing, and loving homes
• Compassionate resources remain available for generations to come
Together, we can continue building a Charlotte where animals and people thrive together.
“HSC helped me through one of the hardest moments of my life with compassion and kindness. Including them in my estate plans felt deeply personal.”
— Legacy Society Member
“I wanted my love for animals to continue making a difference long after I’m gone. This was an easy and meaningful way to do that.”
— Planned Giving Supporter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a planned gift?
A planned gift is a future contribution arranged as part of your financial or estate planning. Common examples include gifts through wills, trusts, retirement accounts, or life insurance policies.
Do I need a large estate to make a planned gift?
Not at all. Planned gifts of every size help support the future of our mission.
Can I update my plans later?
Yes. Most planned gifts can be adjusted as your circumstances or priorities change.
Is there a cost to use FreeWill?
No. HSC’s partnership with FreeWill allows supporters to create estate planning documents at no cost.
Will my information remain private?
Absolutely. Any information shared with HSC or FreeWill is handled with care and confidentiality.
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes. We are always happy to honor anonymous giving preferences.
Have Questions?
We would be honored to talk with you about your goals, answer questions, or help you explore options that align with your values.
Contact the HSC Philanthropy Team:
704-494-7704
plannedgiving@humanecharlotte.org
Legal Information
The Humane Society of Charlotte is a private, independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Federal Tax ID: 58-1342479
For more information on making a planned gift or becoming a member of our Legacy Society, please contact our philanthropy team at 704-494-7704 or email plannedgiving@humanecharlotte.org
Legal Information
The Humane Society of Charlotte, Inc. is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization as determined by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service. Our federal tax id number is 58-1342479.