Crafting a Legacy for Conservation: Planned Giving through the Feather Society

 

Imagine leaving a legacy that not only reflects your values but also safeguards the natural world for generations to come. Planned giving offers a meaningful way to support causes you care deeply about while often providing estate planning benefits. Unlike one-time donations, these gifts are carefully integrated into your financial or estate plans, ensuring that your legacy continues to make a difference well into the future. For conservation enthusiasts, planned giving is an opportunity to sustain wetlands and wildlife, creating a lasting impact.

Hunters and Planned Giving

Hunters share a unique bond with the landscapes and wildlife that fuel their passion. Through Ducks Unlimited’s Feather Society, hunters can protect these vital habitats for future generations, ensuring thriving wildlife populations and enriching outdoor experiences. Beyond preserving the traditions they cherish, these contributions support broad conservation efforts benefiting waterfowl, other wildlife, and entire ecosystems. Planned giving empowers hunters to align their legacy with their love for nature, safeguarding wetlands and ensuring the continuation of cherished outdoor activities for future generations.

Ducks Unlimited and The Feather Society

Ducks Unlimited (DU) is a leading nonprofit dedicated to conserving wetlands and associated habitats critical to North America’s waterfowl. Since its founding in 1937, DU has conserved over 15 million acres across the continent. Their efforts extend beyond waterfowl, enhancing habitats for countless wildlife species and contributing to the health of ecosystems. Through scientific research, policy advocacy, and on-the-ground conservation work, DU remains committed to preserving vital landscapes for future generations.

The Feather Society is Ducks Unlimited’s planned giving program, honoring individuals who include DU in their estate plans. Membership reflects a deep commitment to conservation and ensures that legacies contribute to preserving wetlands and wildlife habitats. Feather Society members enjoy benefits such as handcrafted lapel pins or pendants, acknowledgment in DU’s Annual Report, and the satisfaction of knowing their contributions have a lasting impact on conservation efforts.

Vehicles for Creating Your Conservation Legacy

Ducks Unlimited’s Feather Society offers a variety of vehicles to help you create a lasting conservation legacy tailored to your financial and philanthropic goals.

1. 1. Bequests in Wills and Trusts: Designate Ducks Unlimited as a beneficiary in your will or trust.
   2. Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs): Receive income now while ensuring DU benefits later.
   3. Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs): Provide income to DU for a set term, with remaining assets passing to your heirs.
   4. Pooled Income Fund (PIF): Pool contributions with others to benefit both DU and yourself.
   5. Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Recommend grants to DU from a personal fund.
   6. Life Insurance Gifts: Name DU as a beneficiary or transfer ownership of a policy.
   7. Retirement Assets: Designate DU as a beneficiary for tax-efficient giving.
   8. Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs): Provide income now, with future benefits to DU.
   9. Real Estate Gifts: Donate property to support DU’s mission.

To understand more about these Planned Giving strategies in detail, read this article.

Liability Optimization: A Benefit of Planned Giving

Planned giving can also provide significant advantages for donors. Through strategic contributions to Ducks Unlimited’s Feather Society, individuals can optimize their liabilities while leaving a lasting legacy for wetlands and wildlife.

• • Income Tax Deductions: Qualifying contributions may reduce taxable income.
  • Estate Tax Reductions: Planned gifts can lower the size of taxable estates.
  • Capital Gains Tax Avoidance: Donating appreciated assets avoids capital gains taxes.

Manifesting a Ripple Effect

Planned giving through the Feather Society allows individuals to align their personal values with Ducks Unlimited’s conservation goals. Many members share a passion for the outdoors and a desire to ensure that natural habitats endure for future generations. Personal stories from members often highlight the deep fulfillment of knowing their contributions will sustain wetlands and wildlife. This alignment ensures that your philanthropic efforts create a meaningful and lasting impact.

Steps to Become a Feather Society Member

1. 1. Assess Your Financial Situation: Evaluate your assets and determine the most suitable giving option.
   2. Consult Financial Advisors: Work with a financial advisor and estate planning professionals to understand the benefits and implications.
   3. Contact Ducks Unlimited: Speak with DU’s planned giving staff for personalized guidance.
   4. Determine a Giving Level: Each giving level, from Silver to Legacy Wetlands Guardian, represents a deeper commitment to conservation, with every dollar making a tangible difference for wildlife and wetlands. Learn more here.

 

Feather Society Testimonies

Randall Cole: “Making a Feather Society gift was one of the easiest things I have done since becoming involved with Ducks Unlimited. I encourage other supporters to strongly consider it as well. You can take care of your loved ones and still make a difference for the mission.”

 

Gary & Julie Geddes: “I’m a big fan of Ducks Unlimited. No group does more for freshwater and coastal habitats. I often share with folks that DU is more than just hunting. The organization is making a big difference for water conservation.”

 

John Metz: “When I learned about the DU Feather Society, I knew that I wanted to participate at some point but was unsure initially of how best to make a gift. I then realized that I could add DU as a beneficiary of my work 401K. During the open enrollment period I spoke with my human resource department and filled out a change of beneficiary form for the ducks.”

 

Connect with The Feather Society

Bob Benson
Director of Gift Planning
Southern Region-West
512-289-1921
bbenson@ducks.org

 

 

 

Disclosures

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