Enduring gifts sustain MECT beyond our annual operating budget and are critical to supporting our key mission to preserve the natural beauty, wildlife, and resources of our communities.
Bequests, Life Income Gifts, Charitable Remainder Trust, and Land Donations are some of the ways you can ensure your legacy as a conservationist.
BEQUESTS AND LIFE INSURANCE:
The simplest form of legacy giving, a Bequest is as simple as a codicil to your will, or special language in your trust that articulates your wishes for charitable donations from your estate.
Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations are an easy way to create a bequest to MECT. Your retirement plan will have a designation form for this purpose. Life Insurance may also name MECT as the beneficiary and irrevocable owner. Premiums paid by the donor are tax deductible.
Letting us know of your plans helps us prepare for our future and you become a member of the Creighton Legacy Society, named after Al Creighton who was a founder of MECT and provided support for our organization both during and after his life.
LIFE INCOME GIFTS:
Charitable Annuities provide you with income for your life, and/or the life of your family members. The remainder comes to MECT.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS:
These are more complex instruments designed for larger gifts and have several tax advantages. Consult your tax or estate planning advisor to see if this option is right for you.
GIFTS OF LAND:
Massachusetts has a tax incentive program that encourages gifts of land to be set aside for conservation. The Massachusetts tax credit has an annual limit and is awarded on a first come/first served basis. The federal tax deduction also has limits based income and other factors.
MECT will also consider bargain sales, where a deductible portion is calculated.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Alida Bryant, Director of Development, to discuss options and details. And, of course, your tax or estate planning advisor is another essential resource.