Legacy Giving

Consider leaving a legacy of clean air and water; special places to hunt, hike, fish, and explore close to home; places that make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Thank you. The fact that you even clicked on this page deserves a thank you. Your support is the reason that land and water in Wisconsin, this place you love, is conserved today. It could also be the reason it is conserved tomorrow.

Whether you are taking your first steps toward drafting your will or considering an update to your estate plan, Gathering Waters is here to help you achieve your long-term charitable goals.

Through a planned gift to Gathering Waters, you can leave a legacy of special places in Wisconsin for future generations.

First, we always recommend that you consult with a professional advisor on matters related to your estate plan.

Next, there are multiple ways to provide for yourself and your loved ones while also leaving a gift to protect Wisconsin’s land and water. Through charitable gift annuities, gifts of life insurance, remainder beneficiaries of IRA accounts, and more—we can work with you and your advisor to find the option(s) that meets all of your needs and does more than you might think is possible!

Please reach out today to have a confidential conversation about making a gift to protect land and water in Wisconsin through your will or estate plan. Please call Creal Zearing, Director of Philanthropy, at 608-251-9131 x18 or email at creal@gatheringwaters.org.

Finally, for tax ID information and recommended language to include in your will or estate plan, please download the form below.

Please consider filling out the form and returning it to us so that we may thank you during your lifetime for your gift. Having a copy on file at Gathering Waters adds an extra layer of protection that your gift will be carried out as you planned.

“I felt it was important to make Gathering Waters a part of my estate planning, because, in doing so, I solidify my connection to Wisconsin's environmental future. In this way, I can ensure the longevity of the conservation legacy of my father, Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, who dedicated his life to protecting special natural places for this and future generations. Papa instilled in me a strong sense that individual action matters and that we each have the opportunity and obligation to do our part to protect the lands and waters that make Wisconsin such a beautiful place to live. This is my way of honoring him, and the great work of Gathering Waters.”

"Land conservation in Wisconsin is predominantly a grassroots undertaking. This is both a blessing and a curse. It empowers landowners and other conservationists. It also means that there will always be a need for statewide leadership of, and guidance for land trusts. Gathering Waters meets this need, and Pat and I hope it always will be there to do that."

"Over the past 10 years, I have been able to learn about the work of so many of our great Wisconsin land trusts, their unique conservation successes, and the people behind those organizations and successes. I wish I could provide support to all the land trusts throughout our great state, but having a young family that just isn't possible, so that is why I have pledged a planned gift to Gathering Waters. This way I can help provide, in my small way, support for all land trusts through the significant and lasting impactful work of Gathering Waters."

“I believe providing for land protection is an investment that will last. The land needs to live forever, to secure the well-being of all those who come after us. Gathering Waters’ support is crucial, especially for smaller land trusts that are pressed to do it all. It’s not about just saving the Northwoods, but about saving the marsh lands, the forest, and the lakes – every landscape in Wisconsin."

Types of Planned Gifts

We encourage you to discuss which giving option best fits your needs with your financial planner or estate planning attorney. Types of gifts you may consider include:

Bequest in a will
Life insurance
Charitable gift annuities
Retirement plan or IRA beneficiary designation
Charitable remainder trust
Insurance beneficiary designation
Gift or real estate or other tangible property

Recommended Estate Language

To make a planned gift, we recommend the following language:

Gifts for General Charitable Purposes

I/we give to Gathering Waters, Inc. (tax ID# 39-1805090), currently located in Madison, Wisconsin (or successor organization), ___________% of my residual estate to be used for its general charitable purposes.
I/we give to Gathering Waters, Inc. (tax ID# 39-1805090), currently located in Madison, Wisconsin (or successor organization), the sum of $___________ to be used for its general charitable purposes.

Gifts for Specific Purposes

I/we give to Gathering Waters, Inc. (tax ID# 39-1805090), currently located in Madison, Wisconsin (or successor organization), ___________% of my residual estate to be used for __________________ (specific purpose).
I/we give to Gathering Waters, Inc. (tax ID# 39-1805090), currently located in Madison, Wisconsin (or successor organization), the sum of $___________ to be used for _____________________(specific purpose).

A Special Thank You...

Jim Bennett

Dana & Pat Chabot

Sean & Sara DeKok

Michele Parker

Eric Forward

Kreitz Living Trust

Tim Jacobson

Sarah Perry

Harold “Bud” Jordahl

Dale & Joanna Kramer Fanney

Tia Nelson

Dale Druckrey Conservation Fund of the National Resources Foundation

Anonymous

Legacy Giving

Types of Planned Gifts

Recommended Estate Language

A Special Thank You...

support

connect

Newsletter

Affiliated Sites