Forging a Lasting Connection to the Land
Include a legacy gift to Central Oregon LandWatch in your will to ensure that the land, water, and wildlife you cherish today will thrive for years to come.
“I want to leave the world a better place” is a wonderful sentiment. How one achieves that is a creative challenge and may be a lifelong quest, but making a legacy gift is one straightforward and actionable way to leave a meaningful imprint on your community.
For many, Central Oregon is a special place, one that is imbued with natural beauty, open spaces, and strong, connected communities. Around every bend, it holds treasured places where memories are made, and connections to nature are forged.
Central Oregon LandWatch is committed to protecting the livability of our region. When you make a legacy gift, you are helping to protect this unique region from threats like overdevelopment and habitat destruction.
Rabbitbrush in bloom, Deschutes River Canyon.
Take the First Step
Although 64 percent of Americans say having a will is important, fewer than 32 percent have set one up, according to the most recent Caring.com survey.
If you’re in that majority of people without a will, here’s a gentle nudge to take the first step in creating or updating yours. When you do, we hope you’ll consider making charitable giving a part of your plan.
By including a legacy gift to Central Oregon LandWatch, you can play a vital role in preserving the natural beauty of our region for future generations. Your thoughtful planning today improves this special place tomorrow.
Practical Steps for Including Charitable Giving in Your Estate Plan
Consider Your Values and Priorities: Begin by reflecting on the causes that are important to you and what you want your legacy to reflect. Charitable giving can help you achieve that vision. For those who are passionate about conservation, designating a gift to Central Oregon LandWatch is a way to bring tanglible action to your deeply held values.
Choose the Type of Gift: Legacy gifts can be structured in various ways. If you have the resources to consult with a financial advisor or estate planning attorney, they can help you understand the best options for including charitable gifts in your will. For example, you might consider a bequest, where you leave a specific amount of money or a percentage of your estate to Central Oregon LandWatch, or you could make a beneficiary designation where you name Central Oregon LandWatch as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance policy, or investment account. Outside of financial planners, there are also a number of online tools and resources available to help people to create an estate plan.
Specify the Purpose: An unrestricted gift will give us the flexibility to apply your donation where it’s most needed at the time. Alternatively, you can direct your gift to support a specific program, project, or area of our work that resonates with you, bearing in mind that your designation will need to be relevant many years into the future.
Include Key Details: Ensure your will or trust includes our legal name, address, and tax ID to avoid any confusion. For Central Oregon LandWatch, those details are:
Legal Name: Central Oregon LandWatch
Address: 2843 NW Lolo Dr, Suite 200, Bend, OR, 97703
Tax ID: 93-0935170
Communicate Your Intentions: Letting us know about your legacy gift is important. It allows us to plan for the future and gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude. We would be honored to recognize your generosity and discuss how we can ensure your gift aligns with your wishes. You can email Development Director Lorraine Murray or find additional contact information for our staff on our Team page.
The Impact of Your Legacy Gift
A legacy gift to Central Oregon LandWatch is a commitment to the future of Central Oregon’s landscapes. Your generosity would enable us to:
Protect vital habitats for wildlife, ensuring that our animal kin have the space they need to thrive.
Safeguard clean air and water, contributing to a healthier environment for all.
Preserve open spaces and natural areas, allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying the beauty and recreation opportunities that make Central Oregon unique.
Advocate for smart growth and sustainable development practices that balance the current needs of our communities with long-term environmental stewardship.
For one example of a legacy gift in action, when the foundation created by Bend entrepreneur and Senate candidate Harry Lonsdale was sunsetting its operations, the remaining funds were gifted to LandWatch and used to seed our Save Skyline Forest campaign.
Together, we can ensure that Central Oregon remains a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty with vibrant, complete communities for years and years to come.