Rhododendron Circle
The West Virginia Botanic Garden Rhododendron Circle recognizes individuals who have included the Garden in their estate plans. By making this commitment, Rhododendron Circle members play an important role in ensuring the Garden’s future as a sustainable and impactful organization. Rhododendron Circle members leave a lasting legacy for future generations. They have the peace of mind that their values will be passed on through the continued mission-driven growth and development of the Garden for the benefit of the community and the world.
Who is eligible for membership in the Rhododendron Circle?
Any individual who provides for the West Virginia Botanic Garden (WVBG) in his/her estate plan. It’s that easy. As a new program in 2021, we will consider any new members of the Circle as charter members through December of 2023.
What does the WVBG need from me to show that I have included the Garden in my will?
All that we need is a simple letter or for you to complete the attached application telling the WVBG that you have included the Garden in your estate plan. Providing additional information concerning the specific provisions made in your estate plans for the WVBG is optional. All information about the percentage of your estate, amount of a singular gift from your estate, and/or other property from your estate is confidential and will not be published.
How will I be recognized as a member of the Rhododendron Circle?
Names of individual members of the Rhododendron Circle will be published and presented in a variety of ways. Examples include our newsletter and a future display in the Garden. An annual reception will be held to honor those special friends of WVBG who are members of the Rhododendron Circle.
We also respect that some members may wish to remain anonymous. If you prefer anonymity, please be sure to formally make that request of the Executive Director that you do not wish your name to be published.
What types of gifts can I make from my estate?
Any monetary gift (including stock or securities) is welcomed. This may come in the form of a specified set amount or a percentage. The choice is yours. Please consult your estate planner for what may work best in your situation.
We also accept gifts of life insurance, real estate, or other valued property. We request that you discuss gifts of real estate or other valued property with the WVBG Executive Director and your estate planner to ensure that your gift advances the Garden in a way that is consistent with your wishes.
Bequest Wording for Donors
As you consult your attorney on the selection of appropriate wording to reflect your own goals and intentions regarding the Garden, be sure the organization’s correct legal name appears in all final documents as:
“West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc., a West Virginia nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number: 55-0754775.”
The following examples are intened to help you and your attorney in drafting a bequest that satisfies your individual interests.
Sample gift wording for your will.
“I give, bequeath, and devise (all or X percent) to the West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc., a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Tax ID #55-0754775, and authorize my gift to be used for its general purposes.”
“I give, bequeath, and devise (all or X percent of) the rest, residue, and remainder of my property, both real and personal, wherever situated, which I may own or be entitled to at my death, to the West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc., a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Tax ID #55-0754775, and authorize my gift to be used for its general purposes.”
“I give, bequeath, and devise to (name of person) the greater of $ amount or X percent of the residue of my estate. Should (name of person) predecease me, I direct this sum or percentage to West Virginia Botanic Garden, Inc., a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Tax ID #55-0754775, and authorize my gift to be used for its general purposes.”
If you would like more information about any of these opportunities, please call Philip Smith, Executive Director, at 304-322-2093 or email him at psmith@wvbg.org.
Contact Us for More Information
Phone: 304-322-2093
Mailing Address: 714 Venture Drive, PMB 121, Morgantown, WV 26508