At The Cat Shelter, every cat we care for today — and every cat we’ll care for tomorrow — is made possible because of the kindness of people like you. If you believe in our mission to rescue, heal, and rehome cats in need, one of the most impactful ways you can help is through planned giving.
Planned gifts ensure that your compassion lives on, creating a legacy of hope for many cats to come. These gifts are not complicated, and you don’t have to be wealthy to make a meaningful difference.
Whether you want to support us while still providing for your loved ones, maximize tax benefits, or simply make a gift that fits your unique situation, we can help you find the right way.
Ways to Give
Here are some of the most common ways to include The Cat Shelter in your plans:
Bequests in Your Will or Trust
You can name The Cat Shelter as a beneficiary of your:
- Life insurance policy
- Retirement account (like an IRA, 401(k), or pension plan)
- Bank or brokerage account (via a payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designation)
These gifts are easy to set up and often just require filling out a simple form with your plan administrator or financial institution.
Charitable Gift Annuities & Trusts
If you’d like to support The Cat Shelter and receive income during your lifetime, a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust may be a good fit. These types of gifts can provide you (or someone you choose) with fixed payments for life, with the remainder benefiting the shelter.
Real Estate or Other Property
You can also donate real estate, vehicles, or other valuable property to help fund our work. Some supporters choose to make a “retained life estate” gift — continuing to live in their home during their lifetime while leaving it to the shelter later.
We’re Here to Help
We understand that planning a legacy gift is personal and may feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. We’d be honored to talk with you (confidentially and with no obligation) about your options and how your gift can help save lives far into the future.
Please contact us at animalhouse@stlcats.org or call us at 314-565-5388 to start the conversation.
Thank you for considering this extraordinary way to care for cats in need.
Ready to Make Your Gift?
It’s easy to include The Cat Shelter in your plans:
- Add us to your will or trust
- Name us as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance, or bank account
- Talk with your advisor about a charitable trust, annuity, or real estate gift
When you’re ready, here’s the information you may need:
Legal Name: The Cat Shelter
Address: 2151 59th Street, Saint Louis, MO. 63110
Tax ID (EIN): 30-0177612
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Sample Letter of Intent (click here to download)
We’re happy to answer any questions. Email us at email or call 314-565-5388 anytime.
Planned Giving FAQ
Do I have to rewrite my whole will?
No! You can add a simple amendment, called a codicil, to include The Cat Shelter.
Do I have to tell you about my plans?
Not at all — though we’d love to thank you if you do! Sharing your plans also helps us ensure your wishes are carried out properly.
Can I change my mind later?
Yes — many planned gifts (like bequests and beneficiary designations) are revocable, meaning you can update them if your situation changes.
Do I need to be wealthy to leave a planned gift?
Absolutely not. Even a small percentage of your estate or a modest insurance policy can make a big difference for the cats.