2_Marl Lake Conservation Easement Montcalm County

About the Conservation Legacy Society
Perhaps you choose to live in Central Michigan or spend time here because the land inspires you. Maybe you feel connected to the land through family memories, a hiking trail, a pristine stretch of river or scenic rolling farmland. As you think about the past and ponder your vision for the future, you may be considering how you can make a significant difference in conserving what makes Michigan so special upon your passing. If you already have CWC in your will, please let us know. Sharing your plans with the Conservancy helps us to better assess our long-term financial picture and ensures our records reflect your intentions. Members of the Conservation Legacy Society are a driving force of the CWC’s long-term success as an organization.

Conservation Legacy Society Members

  • Stan Lilley
  • John Mitchell
  • W. Larry Collins
  • Ron H. Rolph* and Marilyn F. Rolph*
  • Anne Messinger
  • Paul Snyder* and Patricia Block

*Deceased Members

Next Steps to Conservation Legacy Society Membership

The Conservancy strongly encourages prospective Conservation Legacy Society Members to meet with their financial advisers and accountants to further explore the benefits of planned gifts. Most are aware of the process about planned gift administration and can give more detail. Please consider contacting CWC about your decision to join the Society.

Gifts in Honor of Friends or Family

Honor someone special by giving a donation in their name. You will receive a letter recognizing your gift and they will receive a notice of your gift. Help preserve the land and water that they love. Send their name and address along with the gift so that we may let them know.

Stocks, Mutual Funds and Bonds

Making a gift of stocks, mutual funds or bonds can provide you with a double tax benefit. When you give these types of securities to the CWC, you avoid capital gains taxes on the increased value and also receive a tax deduction for the full fair market value of your gift.

Gifts of Real Estate

Donating land or a house to the CWC is a way for you to receive tax benefits on the appreciated value, while avoiding capital gains taxes that may result from sale of the property. The CWC accepts gifts of land conserved in perpetuity or gifts of property for eventual sale. The proceeds are spent on local land conservation.

Retirement Accounts

Passing retirement account assets to your heirs can trigger significant income taxes and estate taxes. Designating the CWC as the beneficiary of all or a part of your retirement accounts may reduce or eliminate these tax obligations.

Estate Planning Gifts

When you include the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy in your estate planning, you make it possible for future generations to enjoy the clean water, open space and wildlife habitat that we experience. Your gift assures that the CWC has the resources to honor our commitment to protect and steward lands in perpetuity. When a charitable gift is included in your estate plan, significant tax benefits may result for you and your family. Here are a few examples of ways that others like you have chosen to make a gift to the future:

  • Bequests
    You can designate a gift of a set dollar amount or a percentage of your total estate to be given to the CWC.
  • Charitable Remainder Trust
    This type of trust can provide income to you, your spouse and others. Upon death, a certain amount or percentage of your estate will pass to your heirs, and the balance donated to the CWC to eliminate or reduce capital gains taxes.