Planned Giving

(Note: Information on this page is not intended to be financial or legal advice. Please consult your attorney or financial advisor to discuss your plans.)

Directing a bequest to ABC in your will is one of the easiest and most popular ways to make the world a safer place for birds in the years to come.

Here is sample bequest language that may assist you in your planning:
“I give to American Bird Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization, with principal offices located at P.O. Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198, the sum of $_______ (or percentage of estate) for its bird conservation efforts. ABC’s tax identification number is 52-1501259.”

Alternatively, you might wish to provide a gift from the “residue” or “remainder” of your estate after providing for your loved ones.

For more information, or to direct a bequest for a specific purpose, please contact Jack Morrison, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at jmorrison@abcbirds.org or 540-253-5780.

By combining charitable giving with long-term financial planning, you may be able to give more to conservation than you thought possible, while still providing you or someone you designate with favorable financial and/or tax benefits.

IRA or Other Retirement Plan:

You can name ABC as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other qualified retirement plan. This enables you to remain in control of the process: You can continue to take withdrawals during your lifetime; afterward, the residue of your plan passes to ABC tax-free. Your estate can generally receive a charitable estate tax deduction.

Life Insurance:

You can also name ABC as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy. At the time of death, the proceeds are paid to ABC. In this way, you can make a significant gift from income instead of capital and ensure the protection of birds into the future.

Charitable Lead Trust:

You can contribute securities or other appreciating assets to a charitable lead trust. The trust makes annual payments to ABC for a specified period of time. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal returns to you or is paid to your heirs.

Setting up a charitable lead trust lets you set aside assets for your heirs while reducing eventual estate taxes. In the meantime, the trust generates a current income stream for ABC and bird conservation.

“American Bird Conservancy is included in our estate plans because ABC addresses “big issues” critical to birds, such as wind towers; through the Bird Conservation Alliance, ABC brings together diverse environmental groups to work as partners for the benefit of birds; and finally, we have had the opportunity to meet and to bird with many of the ABC staff.”

“They have invariably impressed us with the passion and extreme work ethic they bring to their efforts. ABC is a nimble, results-oriented group, which has earned our respect and our financial support.” – Kathy Berger and Glen Gerada

“We get a great deal of pleasure from watching birds and have been fortunate to be able to travel and see amazing birds around the world. We realized there would be no more fitting legacy than helping to protect the wonderful diversity of bird life that has given us so much pleasure.

“Every year, ABC accomplishes an amazing amount, from purchasing the last remaining habitat for some of the rarest birds to advancing legislation to address widespread threats to our common, everyday birds.

“We know that money given to ABC will be used effectively and ensure that future generations will be able to experience the joy of seeing beautiful birds in the wild.” – David Harrison and Joyce Millen: The Joy of Birds

“My husband and I have enjoyed so many unforgettable experiences and received so much meaning and pleasure from birds and birding over the years that it just made sense to try and help ensure the conservation of bird species for future generations.”

“It was a ‘no-brainer’ to add ABC to our estate plans because no other organization has been as focused or as effective for bird conservation as ABC.” – Marianne Mooney

We recognize that estate planning is a private matter and that you may want to keep details of your estate plans confidential. However, by informing us of your intentions, you allow ABC to plan for the future, and you can be certain that your charitable giving goals will be met.

For more information on estate planning, to request a copy of our Legacy Circle brochure, or if you have already made a legacy gift to ABC, please contact Jack Morrison, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at 540-253-5780 or jmorrison@abcbirds.org.

Thank you for considering leaving a legacy for bird conservation.