Planned Giving

In 1986 Natural Heritage Land Trust received its first planned gift when Dr. Alice Watts left 115 acres to the Land Trust in her will. The proceeds from the sale of the property (permanently protected by a conservation easement) were used to protect and preserve cherished local lands. Dr. Watts' bequest continues to support permanent land protection today.

Q: What language should I include in my will or trust to make an unrestricted gift?
A: You may designate your bequest to be used by the Land Trust for its general charitable purposes by including the following language in your will or trust:

I give _________ to Natural Heritage Land Trust, Inc., a Wisconsin nonprofit, nonstock corporation that is recognized as exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended) with principal offices located in Madison, Wisconsin (or successor organization), to be used for its general charitable purposes.

Q: Does the Land Trust have an endowment?
A: We have three endowments at the Madison Community Foundation (MCF). There are two general funds which support conservation (MCF funds 1030739 and 1030747). In addition, one fund specifically supports our ability to permanently steward and defend conservation easements we hold (MCF fund 1030740).

Q. Does Natural Heritage Land Trust have a land acquisition fund?
A. The Land Trust’s conservation fund is used to help complete land protection projects. For example, in October 2007, we used $97,000 from the conservation fund to purchase 22.5 acres at Patrick Marsh by Sun Prairie.

Q: Does the Land Trust offer charitable gift annuities?
A: Yes. The Land Trust has partnered with the Madison Community Foundation to offer its supporters the ability to benefit the Land Trust by entering into a charitable gift annuity with MCF. If you would like to request a personalized charitable gift annuity proposal, please contact Martha Frey at (608) 258-9797 or martha@nhlt.org.

Q: What is the Legacy Circle?
A: Established in 2009, the Legacy Circle is a group of people who love nature and the mosaic of landscapes in the Dane County region. Legacy Circle members choose to remember Natural Heritage Land Trust in a will or through other planned gifts. As a member of the Legacy Circle, you will receive an invitation to a small, social gathering once a year. In addition, your name will appear as a Legacy Circle member in the annual report . All requests for anonymity are honored. For a list of Legacy Circle members, see our current annual report.

We recommend consulting with your attorney or tax advisor about the various tax benefits and restrictions that may apply to your specific situation. We are available to you and your advisors to answer questions or help arrange a planned gift to Natural Heritage Land Trust. The Land Trust’s future programs depend on the partnerships we form today.