Support Us

We are excited to announce the launch of the Bodega Land Trust (BLT) Legacy Fund — a permanent endowment that will ensure our conservation work continues for generations to come. Today we ask you to consider naming BLT in your trust and will. The Legacy Fund is an opportunity for you to create a lasting impact that reflects your values and commitment to protecting the natural beauty, biodiversity, and agricultural heritage of West Sonoma County.

Why the Legacy Fund is Essential

This is Critical for Our Future — But Why?

First, we are currently recruiting new leaders to guide BLT into the future. To attract and retain talented, dedicated leadership, it’s essential to demonstrate that our organization is financially secure and sustainable.

Second, as BLT has expanded to encompass 21 conservation easements and now owns the 187-acre Tannery Creek Reserve, the responsibilities and scope of our work have grown significantly. This expanded mission can no longer be sustained indefinitely by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. 

Our Invitation to You

During our recent Annual Dinner, we invited our long- term supporters to be Founding Members of the BLT Legacy Fund. The Fund was established by a Board Resolution  using a capstone gift of $100,000 from the estate of Don Sherer. In addition, Susan Anderson and Stephen Hansen have pledged $25,000 in their estate plan to initiate the “Founding Members Group”. If you wish to join this effort, adding the Bodega Land Trust Legacy Fund to your plans is as straightforward as including the following language in your will: “I give (specific amount or percentage) to Bodega Land Trust, located in Bodega, California for the purposes of supporting its Legacy Fund”.

If you are considering Bodega Land Trust in your estate plans, or you would like to learn more about the development of the fund, please do not hesitate to contact Susan Anderson or Mary Biggs. If you have already named Bodega Land Trust in your estate plans, thank you for your support! We would be honored to recognize you as a Founding Member of the Fund. Please let us know in the emails above or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, by sending a letter to Bodega Land Trust, P.O. Box 254, Bodega CA 94922.

Become a Legacy Fund Founding Member Today — Be Part of the BLT Future

The Parish Family became Founding Members

“The Parish Family having resided in the Town of Bodega for over a decade have made it our forever home.  We are pleased to continue our support of the Bodega Land Trust (BLT), both in the present and the future.  We find it of the utmost importance to not only preserve our lands, watersheds, view corridors, wildlife and sustainable agriculture, but to also improve upon them.  The BLT continues to move forward with steadfast stewardship that preserves our local ecosystems and great way of life.  We are excited to contribute to that stewardship now and in our legacy.  Sincerely, Michael and Laura Parish”

There are Many Ways to Give

Consider Tax Advantage Giving – Your gift sustains our work for tomorrow.  Talk with your tax advisor to learn more.

• Publically traded securities – Donate Stock 
• Donor Advised Funds  
• IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions 
• Insurance 
• Retirement Assets 

Other Ways to Give

• Sponsor our Annual Dinner or our Walks & Talks series – Support us, enjoy community
• Sign up and attend our  Events – Connect and learn with us
• Volunteer to monitor, join restoration and clean up events – Walk the land, meet your neighbors
• Donate a Conservation Easement – Permanently protect the special beauty of your land
• Give a Legacy Gift – Leave a legacy that ensures a robust thriving BLT for the future

Electronic funds Transfer or ACH is easy. Contact Mary Biggs to learn more about making a gift using electronic funds transfer.

Conditional Gifts

What is a conditional gift? If you specify that your gift must be used for a particular purpose or returned if certain conditions are not met, it is considered a conditional gift. Such gifts do not qualify as tax-deductible until all stated conditions are satisfied

Gifts for Tomorrow

These gifts are amendable and revocable (so long as you retain testamentary capacity). These are two common forms, Bequests and Beneficiary designations.

Bequests 

A charitable bequest is one of the easiest and most flexible ways that you can leave a gift to Bodega Land Trust that will make a lasting impact.  With the help of an attorney, you can include language in your will or revocable trust specifying a gift to be made to Bodega Land Trust as part of our estate plan.  Not only will your bequest leave a lasting legacy to Bodega Land Trust, the estate tax charitable deduction will reduce the burden of taxes on your family.

Beneficiary designations

A beneficiary designation gift is a simple and affordable way to make a gift to support Bodega Land Trust.  You can designate BLT as a beneficiary of a retirement, investment or bank account, or your life insurance policy.

Bodega Land Trust has joined with FreeWill to provide further information at no cost. FreeWill is a tool that has been used by over 900,000 people to complete their will online and partners with hundreds of well known nonprofits organizations and educational institutions.  Please consult your financial or legal advisor regarding your will or estate planning with your specific questions.  

Tax Information and Donation Guidelines

Bodega Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of US law. Keep your email receipt as your official record of donation; it will be sent to you upon successful completion of your donation.Bodega Land Trust tax ID number: 94-3175306