Planning today. Protecting the future.

While a donation via cash, check, or credit card is generally the most common method of supporting Ridge and Valley Conservancy, there are numerous other methods to consider for both current and future giving. We would be happy to sit with you to craft a tailored giving plan to create a legacy that reflects your values and supports Ridge and Valley Conservancy’s mission.

Below are general descriptions of some different methods of support. If you would like to speak with us to explore giving options, contact us at (908) 362-7989 or susi@ridgeandvalleyconservancy.org. If you would like to speak with other supporters that have included RVC in their legacy giving plans, we will arrange that for you. Please note that we recommend that you consult your attorney and your tax or financial advisors for any guidance.

BEQUESTS, ESTATE PLANS & WILLS

Please consider making Ridge and Valley Conservancy part of your estate planning with a Legacy Gift. A Legacy Gift is a wonderful way to create your continuing personal conservation plan. These planned gifts greatly assist RVC with its ongoing protection of our region’s natural areas.

A charitable bequest is an outright gift of cash, securities, bonds, real estate, or other assets specified in a will, either as a designated dollar amount or as a percentage of an estate. RVC could also be named as a remainder beneficiary to receive funds only after specific sums have been paid to individuals.

GIFTS OF STOCK, BONDS, OR MUTUAL FUNDS

While charitable donations by check or cash are the most common methods of supporting RVC, giving long-term appreciated securities may have attractive tax benefits. You can make a gift of appreciated securities—publicly traded stocks, bonds, and mutual fund shares—to RVC while avoiding capital gains tax. No capital gains taxes are owed when the securities are donated, not sold. You will receive the benefit of an immediate income tax deduction for the fair market value. Other types of securities, such as restricted or privately traded securities, may also be deductible, but additional requirements and limitations may apply.

Please note that you must have held the securities you use to make your gift for more than one year to be fully deductible. We strongly recommend that you consult with your financial advisor.

DOnor ADVISED FUNDS - DAF

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle administered by a sponsoring organization for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. To participate in a DAF, a donating individual or organization opens an account in the fund and deposits cash, appreciated securities, or other financial instruments. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a DAF, you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. Those funds can then be invested for tax-free growth and the donor can recommend grants to virtually any IRS-qualified public charity.

IRA CHARITABLE GIFTS

If you are at least age 72 and have an IRA, you could consider making a qualified charitable donation (QCD) from your IRA. A QCD would allow you to make a gift to RVC directly from your IRA without treating it as taxable income. A QCD can also satisfy your required minimum distribution if you wish.

Please note that IRA charitable rollover gifts do not qualify for a charitable deduction. Contact your IRA administrator for provision mandates.

BANK, BROKERAGE, AND OTHER ACCOUNTS

You can pass an asset directly to RVC after your lifetime by naming RVC as the beneficiary of an account (such as a bank or brokerage account or a certificate of deposit).

PERSONAL PROPERTY OR REAL ESTATE

Donating a gift of tangible personal property or real estate is another way to support RVC that may reduce capital gains tax, income tax, or estate tax. You may be able to continue to use your property for the remainder of your lifetime.

RETIREMENT PLAN OR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

Naming RVC as a beneficiary or contingent beneficiary of all or a portion of your retirement plan or life insurance policy is an easy way to support RVC that does not require a change to your will.

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST OR CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY

These gifts are funded with cash or property and provide income from the assets for the donor's lifetime while qualifying for a charitable deduction, reducing potential capital gains and estate taxes. Upon the donor’s death and/or that of a loved one, the assets are distributed outright to RVC.

Exploring the right path for you

If you would like to obtain more information about planned giving options, please consult your attorney and your tax or financial advisors, or feel free to contact us at (908) 362-7989 or email susi@ridgeandvalleyconservancy.org. We would be happy to sit down with you and discuss the options that are best for you. If you would like to speak with other supporters with Legacy Gifts in place for RVC, we will arrange that for you.

If you have already chosen to include RVC in your estate plans, please let us know so we can recognize your generosity and thank you in your lifetime.