Leave a Legacy as timeless as the mountains themselves

Much of the AAC's ongoing work to promote climbing knowledge, conserve climbing environments, and serve the American climbing community is made possible by bequests from past AAC members. To recognize this special level of support, we created The Piolet Society. Anyone leaving a planned gift to the AAC becomes a member of this prestigious group and is recognized (if they prefer to be) in a variety of ways.

It is easy for you to join The Piolet Society. Your own bequest, no matter how large or small, allows you entrance into the Society while providing crucial support for Club initiatives, leaving your own personal legacy, and helping preserve the climbing experience in perpetuity.

Types of Bequests

Bequests may be included in a new will or added as a codicil to an existing will and can be in the form of cash, securities, or real/personal property from your estate.

• Specific – The AAC receives a specific amount or percentage of your estate.
• Residuary – The Club receives all or a portion of your remaining estate after expenses and other bequests are paid.
• Trusts – Your will creates a trust that provides income for a named beneficiary for a term or for life, after which the assets pass onto the AAC.
• Retirement Plan – The Club is named as the beneficiary of either a portion or the balance in your plan account.

Types of Support

• Unrestricted bequests provide for general support of the Club and allow flexibility to meet ever-changing needs and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
• Restricted bequests apply your gift to a specific program area.
• Named endowment funds may be established with a bequest of $25,000 or more.

Tax Benefits

Bequests are deductible from federal estate taxes and may place the taxable portion of the estate in a lower tax bracket. Even small estates may be subject to the burden of state taxes and larger probate costs. A carefully drafted will, drawn up by your attorney, can help you minimize taxes.

Sample Bequest Language

While the following language will guide you in making a bequest to the Club, the AAC strongly recommends you consult with your attorney when preparing your will.

“I hereby give, devise and bequeath to The American Alpine Club, a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable institution located at 710 Tenth Street, Suite 100, Golden, CO 80401, USA, Federal Tax Identification Number 13.1611981, _______ [dollar amount, percentage of estate, or ‘the remainder of my estate’] for _______ [‘its unrestricted use’ or a specific purpose; e.g. publications, the AAC Library, conservation, etc.].”

Please be sure to inform the AAC of your bequest so that we may, with your permission, appropriately thank you for your generosity and recognize you as a Piolet Society member.

Together, with bequests large and small, we will continue to conserve climbing areas and protect the climbing experience for generations to come.