your LEGACY LIVES AT crhs.

Since our founding in 1971, our mission has remained steadfast: to actively promote the humane treatment of animals and foster positive human-animal relationships. We aim to serve as a valuable community resource, providing essential knowledge on animal care, welfare, ethics, and treatment.

At the Coulee Region Humane Society, we hold a deep appreciation for animals of every kind. Our commitment is unwavering, and we promise never to turn away any companion animal in La Crosse County, regardless of its circumstances. Transparency is integral to our role in the community, and we pledge to be open and honest about our activities.

Our values encompass love, life, and community. Even a modest contribution can create a significant impact on the animals under our care, both today and in the years to come. By considering a future gift to the Coulee Region Humane Society through your will, trust, or other financial plan, you are directly contributing to saving lives, both now and in the future.

A white shelter dog meets their adopters for the first time, lifts a paw to shake while being petted.

What About Your Wishes

Have you thought about what your wishes are for your estate – your cash savings, property, and personal belongings? Did you know that if your wishes are not clearly stated in a will, trust, or other estate planning document, your property and finances are settled according to state laws – regardless of whether or not they coincide with your wishes.

First and foremost, you should ensure that your loved ones are cared for in the event you are no longer with them – this includes your pets. But, are you aware that you can also leave a portion of your estate to a charitable organization such as CRHS?

With a Planned gift you have the ability to…

  • Make a larger gift than you thought possible.

  • Leave a legacy without giving up assets.

  • Take care of the financial needs of your family first.

  • Provide inheritances for your heirs at a lower tax cost.

Elderly black couple smiling and snuggling with their white olg haired dog.
Lady sitting in her flower garden with her dog and cat enjoying a sunny summer day.

As someone who loves animals you can…

  • Play a key role in the future of CRHS and the future of the thousands of animals that come into our care annually.

  • Further support CRHS as a community resource by helping us to continue offering programs at little to no cost including dog training, Pet Therapy, Humane Education, and lost and found pet assistance.

  • Strengthen our ability to provide veterinary care, vaccinations, food, and shelter for animals that come through our doors.

  • Allow us to continue promoting spay/neuter programs in hopes of lessening the issues associated with unwanted animals.

Continuing Your Legacy

There are many options available to you to leave an important legacy with CRHS. Some individuals choose to designate a gift to be used for a specific purpose, such as animal care, education, wildlife rehabilitation, shelter animal medical, or shelter animal spay and neuter. Consult with your attorney and financial advisor regarding your specific circumstances.

  • Bequest - A donation made through a will or trust that typically states a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate to be left to CRHS or charities of your choice. Your donation is exempt from federal estate tax and allows you use and control of your assets for your lifetime.

  • Retirement Accounts - You can name CRHS as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts such as 401k, traditional or Roth IRAs, or other bank or investment accounts. This allows the portion of the funds you designate to transfer directly to CRHS upon your death.

  • Memorials - Memorial gifts can be directed to CRHS. Often donors will clearly identify to their loved ones a charity or charities to which memorials can be directed. A memorial can also be made to a companion animal, whether yours or a loved one or friend’s.

  • Life Insurance - A couple of options are:

    • Leaving a policy that’s completely paid for and receive a tax deduction for the fair market value while allowing CRHS to also benefit.

    • Purchasing a life insurance policy and naming CRHS as the irrevocable owner and beneficiary.

Take These Steps When Making a Planned Gift

  1. We would appreciate it if you notified CRHS to aide your planning, but it is not required. You can also call our financial advisors at Trust Point, 608-782-1148 who can provide advice on language for bequests or how to structure specific gifts.

  2. Contact your attorney or financial advisor as they can help you determine what type of gift will suit your personal and financial circumstances best. Let them know you are contemplating a planned gift to the Coulee Region Humane Society.

  3. Be sure to inform your family and friends of your plans and personal wishes in regards to your legacy gifts as well as addressing family needs.

Older couple sitting with their dog looking out over a lake on a summer evening.

Considering Leaving A Gift?

If you are considering leaving a gift and would like more information or to discuss your options please contact our Executive Director Heather Drievold by calling 608-781-4014 or emailing her at Heather.Drievold@couleehumane.com.