Donate

For the convenience of our donors, WSHS accepts contributions in three ways.

Credit Cards: WSHS can accept credit-card donations online using a secure server. Visit the Online Donation page to select an amount and chose to give one-time, monthly, or annually.

Check: You may also download and print out our Donation form and send us a check, made payable to West Suburban Humane Society.  We will send a confirmation of your gift that can be used when filing your taxes.  Mail  your donation to:

Supplies: In addition to monetary donations, we are always grateful for non-monetary donations. Click here to find a list of accepted items we would greatly appreciate receiving.

There are several different ways to give to WSHS:

Annual Giving

The Annual Fund offers many new benefits to our supporters, and makes it possible for WSHS to help more dogs and cats each year.  Funds will go to the general operating fund at the shelter, which allows WSHS to continue to provide medical care, housing, and placement for nearly 1,000 animals annually.  There are multiple levels of giving, with corresponding benefits for each level.  Click here for an overview of each level. For more information on joining the Annual Fund, click here.

Planned Giving (i.e., Legacy Society)

The Legacy Society was established to pay tribute to West Suburban Humane Society's dedicated and generous friends who have committed to leaving a legacy of financial support through a bequest (or other planned gift arrangement) to the shelter.  By including West Suburban Humane Society in your estate planning, you will join this prestigious circle of WSHS donors, who help to save the lives of homeless animals for years to come.  

Your bequest to West Suburban Humane Society will be a gift of lasting significance.  A planned gift will make it possible for WSHS to provide shelter, food, veterinary care, medicines and loving new homes to countless animals in our community well into the future. West Suburban Humane Society relies on the generosity of caring friends like you in order to continue to serve the West Suburban pet population. With your help, WSHS can keep saving the lives of homeless dogs and cats for the next generation.

Your planned gift to West Suburban Humane Society will solidify your commitment to the welfare of animals, and act as a statement of your legacy.  When you remember West Suburban Humane Society in your will or other planned gift arrangement, you will automatically enter the growing roster of WSHS's' Legacy Society members.

For more information about becoming a member of our Legacy Society, click here.  You may also contact Brad Carlson, Development Director at development@wshs-dg.org.

Bequest Options & Sample Attorney Language

Your attorney or financial advisor can work with you to include West Suburban Humane Society in your will or trust.  Below is specific language that you and your attorney can use to remember West Suburban Humane Society in your will.  Bequest options include:

Specific Bequest:  States a specific dollar amount, percentage of your estate, or property to West Suburban Humane Society.  Sample language to get your started: "I give, devise and bequeath _____% of my estate (or specific assets) for the benefit of West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515, FEIN 23-7355420, to be used for it's general purposes."

Residuary Bequest:  Made when you intend to leave the residue portion of your assets after other terms of the will have been satisfied. Sample language: All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, I give to West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515, FEIN 23-7355420, to be used for it's general purposes."

Contingency Bequest:  Allows you to leave a portion of your estate to West Suburban Humane Society if your named beneficiary does not survive you.  Sample language: "If (beneficiary) does not survive me, I devise and bequeath my residuary estate to West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515, FEIN 23-7355420, to be used for it's general purposes."

Restricted Bequest:  Allows you to designate how your gift to West Suburban Humane Society will be used, such as to name an endowment or to support a specific purpose, such as our spay/neuter program, the building fund, etc.

Other Gifts:  You can leave real estate, IRA's, insurance policies, and personal property.  Gift annuities and stock are also considered planned gifts and may offer substantial tax advantages.  Trusts may provide lifetime income  while ultimately benefiting West Suburban Humane Society.

Corporate Giving

By giving to WSHS, a corporation establishes itself as an asset to the community.  Corporate donors are acknowledged through multiple avenues (i.,e., WSHS website, Annual Report, newsletters, etc.) which target thousands of residents in the Western Suburbs.  There are multiple levels of giving, with corresponding benefits for each level.  Click here for an overview of each level. For more information on Corporate Giving, click here.