Water Island Search and Rescue, Inc.
Leave a Legacy on Water Island That Saved Lives
By remembering WISAR in your estate plan, you ensure that your neighbors on Water Island — and everyone who lives, works, or visits here — will always have someone coming for them.
How to Include WISARWho We Are & Why It Matters
Water Island Search and Rescue (WISAR) is the primary emergency response organization serving Water Island — the fourth-largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are an all-volunteer, nonprofit team of 42 members trained in first aid, fire response, and disaster response.
When someone is in trouble on the trails, on the water, or anywhere on this island, WISAR answers. No government mandate sustains us. We exist because this community believes no one should face an emergency alone.
A gift in your will costs you nothing today — and can mean everything to someone tomorrow.
Planned Giving Options
Four Ways to Remember WISAR
Every estate is different. Here are the most common — and most impactful — ways to include WISAR in your legacy planning. Any amount, in any form, makes a difference.
Bequest in Your Will or Trust
The simplest and most common form of planned giving. You direct a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset to WISAR in your will or revocable living trust. Your attorney can add a short clause — we provide the language below.
Most PopularBeneficiary Designation
Name WISAR as a full or partial beneficiary on a retirement account (IRA, 401k), life insurance policy, or bank account. These transfers happen outside of probate, directly and efficiently, with no need to amend your will.
No Attorney RequiredGift of Real Estate or Property
A home, boat, vehicle, or other property can be gifted to WISAR during your lifetime or through your estate. These gifts can often provide significant tax advantages for the donor or their estate.
Consult Your AdvisorCharitable Remainder Trust
You or a loved one receive income from the trust during your lifetime, with the remainder passing to WISAR. This advanced strategy can reduce estate taxes, eliminate capital gains on appreciated assets, and provide a steady income stream.
Advanced PlanningFor Your Attorney
Suggested Bequest Language
Please share this language with your estate attorney. It is provided as a starting point — your attorney may adjust it to suit your specific estate plan and jurisdiction.
Federal Tax ID (EIN): 66-0640568
WISAR is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Bequests to WISAR may be deductible from your federal and territorial estate taxes. Please consult your estate attorney or tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
It’s Simpler Than You Think
Getting Started
Including WISAR in your estate plan can often be accomplished in a single meeting with your attorney — or even with a simple beneficiary form.
Decide How You’d Like to Give
Choose the option that best fits your situation — a bequest, a beneficiary designation, or another planned gift. All are meaningful.
Contact Your Attorney or Advisor
Share the bequest language and our EIN (66-0640568) with your estate attorney, financial planner, or retirement plan administrator.
Let Us Know (Optional)
You’re not required to notify us, but we’d love to thank you personally and ensure your intentions are properly documented. Your privacy is always respected.
Rest Easy
Your legacy is set. When the time comes, your gift will ensure WISAR is there for the next generation of Water Islanders.
Questions? We’re Here.
Get in Touch
We are happy to speak with you, your family, or your attorney about any aspect of planned giving. No obligation, no pressure — just a conversation about how we can work together.
Water Island Search and Rescue, Inc.
St. Thomas, USVI 00802
A Note from Our President
We know that conversations about estate planning are deeply personal. If you’re considering including WISAR in your will, I would be honored to speak with you directly — to tell you about our work, answer any questions, and simply say thank you.
Your generosity keeps our volunteers trained, our equipment maintained, and our community safe — and brings us closer to replacing our aging rescue boat, a critical $150,000 goal we are building toward over the next decade.
— Douglas Hoffman, President
Already Have a Giving Account?
Donor-Advised Funds
If you have a donor-advised fund (DAF) with Fidelity Charitable, J.P. Morgan Charitable Giving Fund, or another sponsor, you can recommend a grant to WISAR directly — quickly, paperlessly, and with immediate tax benefit to you. We are already registered and verified with both platforms.
Fidelity Charitable
Log into your Fidelity Charitable Giving Account and search for Water Island Search and Rescue Inc. Recommend a grant of any amount — all grants are verified and processed directly to WISAR.
J.P. Morgan Charitable Giving Fund
Through the National Philanthropic Trust, J.P. Morgan DAF holders can recommend grants to WISAR. Simply search Water Island Search and Rescue Inc in your giving portal and designate your grant for general support.
Other DAF Sponsors
Use any donor-advised fund sponsor to recommend a grant. Simply provide your DAF administrator with our legal name and EIN — most can process the grant within days.
What is a Donor-Advised Fund?
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account sponsored by a public charity. You contribute assets — cash, securities, or other property — receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to nonprofits like WISAR over time. DAFs held at Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, and J.P. Morgan are among the most common. If you have one and haven’t used it recently, WISAR is a worthy recipient.
Donate Today
Every Dollar Counts
Not ready to update your will just yet? No problem. Donations of any size are gratefully welcomed and help fund our equipment, volunteer training, fuel, insurance, and operations — keeping Water Island safe every single day.
🚤 Current Campaign
Help Us Replace Our Rescue Boat
Our rescue boat is approaching the end of its service life. A replacement is essential for our capability to transfer patients from Water Island safely and quickly — without it, we cannot continue to provide this life saving service. We are building a $150,000 replacement fund over the next decade. Every gift, large or small, moves us closer to that goal.
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Water Island Search and Rescue, Inc. · EIN 66-0640568 · 501(c)(3)
Gifts may be tax-deductible — consult your tax advisor