A person leans over a vegetable stand, handing the vendor a piece of paper in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Planned Giving

Leave a lasting legacy that benefits people, nature and the climate. By including WRI in your estate plans, you will create a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable future for all people. Name World Resources Institute as a beneficiary in your will or trust and help ensure that this and future generations can enjoy clean air, walkable cities, vibrant landscapes, nutritious food and affordable energy.

There are currently three ways to include WRI in your estate plans. You can name World Resources Institute as beneficiary in your will, retirement plan or life insurance policy.

In Your Will

Include World Resources Institute in your will to receive a specific amount or percentage of your assets.  Below is sample language to share with your lawyer or advisor, or to use when drafting your bequest:

Sample Language

  • For a specific bequest:
    I give and bequeath unto the World Resources Institute, tax ID# 52-1257057, the sum of $_____ to be used for general charitable purposes.
  • For a residuary bequest:
    I give and bequeath ___% of my residuary estate to the World Resources Institute, tax ID# 52-1257057, to be used for its general charitable purposes.
  • For a designated or endowed bequest:
    I give and bequeath unto the World Resources Institute, tax ID# 52-1257057, (the sum of $)/(% of my residuary estate) to be used by it for [state designation or purpose]. In the event the purpose for which this bequest has been designated or restricted can no longer be accomplished, I direct that it be used by the World Resources Institute for such similar charitable purposes as it shall determine.

In Your Retirement Account or Life Insurance Policy

  • Step 1: Designate a percentage of your retirement account or life insurance policy for WRI. You can do this online by visiting your plan or policy website, or by contacting your provider directly.
  • Step 2: Let us know if you have named WRI as a beneficiary, so we can thank you and ensure that we can fulfill your gift intentions.

If you would like to give WRI a gift of retirement assets during your lifetime, please visit our IRA Giving Page to learn more about making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA.

Share Your Plans

If you have included WRI in your estate plans, please let us know. Notifying us of your intention will allow us to thank and recognize you for your support. It also makes you eligible to join WRI’s Legacy Society, a membership program for individuals who support WRI with planned gifts. If you would like to remain anonymous in giving, please let us know.

Karen West.

"I was attracted to including WRI in my legacy gifts as WRI allows me to participate in helping to "fix" this planet's precarious future. I have great hope in WRI's efforts — its research and partnerships with global actors — to transform the world's use of food and energy, address the impacts of climate change and threats to nature, while ensuring cities are livable and people's essential needs are met."

— Karen West, Legacy Society Member

Planned Gift Notification Form

If you prefer to notify us of your intention by mail or email, please download our Legacy Intention Form and return it to Heather Sullivan at World Resources Institute, 10 G St NE, Ste 800, Washington, DC 20002.

Please reach out to Heather Sullivan at heather.sullivan@wri.org or +1 (202) 729-7875 to learn more about making a meaningful gift to WRI and the world. She can offer insight into WRI's Legacy Society and answer any planned giving questions you may have.