The Wiegenstein Legacy Society is named after Dr. John G. Wiegenstein, the founding president of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Today, the Wiegenstein Legacy Society is the recognition society for those who have included EMF in their estate plans.  The Wiegenstein Legacy Society, through its members’ extraordinary commitment, honors the past by securing the future of emergency medicine.

The most common type of legacy gift is a charitable bequest through your Last Will & Testament.  You may leave EMF a cash donation, a gift of real estate, artwork, collections or publicly listed securities.  Charitable bequests can also allow you to take care of the needs of your loved ones first, and then support EMF’s mission, one that has been an important part of your life.  Even a small portion of a typical estate can make a very meaningful difference.

A will is used to make a Legacy Gift.  You may also use life insurance, securities, or your retirement plan.  You will need professional assistance to set up most estate gifts.

 Q.        What is a “Legacy Gift”?

A.        A Legacy Gift (or Planned Giving) allows you to build charitable purposes into your overall financial, tax and estate planning goals.  A Legacy Gift to EMF honors your commitment to continued research in emergency medicine.

 Q.        Are bequests always in the form of cash?

A.        You may leave EMF a cash donation, a gift of real estate, personal property (i.e. artwork,  collections, etc.), or publicly listed securities. 

Q.        Do I have to indicate my wish to leave EMF a gift in my will?

A.        Yes.  To be certain that EMF receives your bequest, you must state your intentions in your will.  Without a will, your property and assets are settled in probate court, according to state laws, regardless of your wishes.

Q.        What are some tips that I should know before making a planned gift to EMF?

A.        First, find an attorney and/or financial advisor who will best represent you.  He or she should be familiar with the laws of your state in connection with estate planning.

            Second, talk to a variety of specialists (including your attorney and financial advisor), your           family, and other significant individuals in your life.  Learn as much as you can about planned giving options and the kinds of gifts that make the most sense for you.

            Finally, ensure you have the proper documents in place to ensure your bequest is made according to your intentions.

Q.        Do I have to inform EMF that I have made a bequest in my will?

A.        You are not legally obligated to do so.  However, if you are considering including EMF or have   already included EMF in your will, we will appreciate you letting us know.  This way, we can thank you personally recognize your contribution.  It will also give us an idea of how many people intend to leave bequests and how we may plan for the future.

Types of Bequests:

Demonstrative Bequest – a particular amount of money or property to be distributed from one source in the estate and then from other sources to the extent the first is insufficient.

General Bequest – can be distributed from the general assets of the estate and is not a particular thing (real or personal property).

Residual Bequest – gives EMF all or a portion of your estate after all the debts, taxes and expenses and other bequests have been made. 

Specific Bequest – giving a particular item (i.e. artwork, real estate, etc.) or part of an estate that is payable only from a specified source in the estate and not from the general assets.  Note:  acceptance of all giftsother than cash and marketable securities require EMF Board of Trustees approval. 

You should consult your attorney and financial advisor about these options and their implementation. The following are representative bequest provisions that may facilitate these consultations.

For a Specific Amount

I hereby give, devise,  and bequeath (_____ dollars or _____ percent of my estate) to the Emergency Medicine Foundation, an IRS 501(c)(3), Texas nonprofit organization (Tax I.D. # 75-2331221) located in Irving, Texas, to be used for the Foundation’s general purposes.

For the Remainder of Estate

I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the Emergency Medicine Foundation, an IRS 501(c)(3), Texas nonprofit organization (Tax I.D. # 75-2331221) located in Irving, Texas, all (or state the fraction or percentage) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal to be used for the Foundation’s general purposes.

Life Insurance

Leaving your life insurance benefits to EMF may help you pass on a larger gift than you might otherwise have been able to make during your lifetime.  There are several ways to use your Life Insurance policy to further EMF’s mission:

Contribute an existing policy, making EMF the owner and beneficiary.  Contact your insurance company to get its beneficiary form and complete it according to your insurer’s instructions.

Contribute a portion of a large existing policy, leaving the balance to your original beneficiaries.  Contact your insurance company to get its beneficiary form and complete it according to your insurer’s instructions.

Contact your insurance agent and/or financial planner for more information.