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Make us a beneficiary of your IRA or other “non-probate” assets

Plan your beneficiaries

Why beneficiary designations are so powerful

Assets not included in your will are called non-probate assets. Examples are 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies, and other accounts. Designating the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region as a beneficiary can have a big impact and may avoid unwanted taxes for your heirs.

Family sitting on front steps with dog

Charitable benefits

Receive an estate tax charitable deduction
Reduce the burden of taxes on your family
Continue to use assets or property during your lifetime
Leave a lasting legacy to Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
Man holding 5 puppies

Common gifted assets for beneficiaries

  • IRA
  • 401(k)
  • Life insurance
  • Joint real estate
  • Joint bank accounts
  • Joint property ownership

Designate Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region as a beneficiary to one or more of your accounts.

We have partnered with FreeWill to offer this free online platform that will walk you through the process of setting up your beneficiaries. These gifts have a big impact and can often prevent unwanted taxation.


We know you feel the same way we do – pets and people are better together. Through planned gifts, our supporters can ensure HSPPR will be here for pets in the future. Ensure programs are in place to carry out this vital work. And ensure pets in our community are always cared for, valued, and welcomed home.

We have supported HSPPR for over 20 years and have seen it grow and expand its services while stretching donor dollars to achieve maximum impact. HSPPR continues to be well-respected for its professionalism, advocacy and innovation even as the number of animals sheltered has grown to over 25,000 per year. This stellar reputation and extraordinary service to our community gives us confidence that our legacy gift will be used wisely and efficiently in the future to help HSPPR evolve and adapt to the needs of animals and families in Colorado.

Diane & Doug Kathol, Legacy Guild Members
Pictured With Their Grandchildren

Frequently Asked Questions

A non-probate asset is an account or other asset that won’t be governed by the decisions you make in a will. Instead, these accounts commonly have an assigned beneficiary that you choose. Types of non-probate assets include many retirement accounts, life insurance, some bank accounts and some assets (like a house or vehicle) that you jointly own with another person.

Yes, FreeWill has a section that allows for you to create a pet trust to care for your pet(s).

The most commonly gifted non-probate asset is an IRA or 401(k). This is because these accounts are always taxed (even for people below the estate tax threshold). Giving these accounts to charity keeps your heirs from having to pay unexpected taxes.

Yes! Even if you have a will in place you still need to designate beneficiaries for your non-probate assets.

Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.

No. You can usually make these easily and at no cost to you. 

Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.

We’re here to help you meet your goals!

Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation

Name: Randy Harrelson

Title :Donor Relations Officer

Phone: 719-302-8737

Email: rharrelson@hsppr.org

Name: Katie McDevitt

Title :Donor Relations Officer

Phone: 719-302-8714

Email: kmcdevitt@hsppr.org

Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know

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More ways to make an impact

Gifts in a will or trust

Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will (for free!).

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Popular tax-smart gifts

Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.

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Gifts that pay you back

Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.

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