Planned Giving
Planned Gifts Take Many Forms
Perhaps you choose to live in eastern Idaho or spend time here because the land inspires you. Maybe you feel connected to the land through fond memories of the family farm, a hiking trail, a fishing stream or the scenic views of the mountains.
As you think about the past and ponder your vision for the future, you may be considering how you can make a significant difference in conserving what makes the region so special—its land and rural heritage. While planned gifts take many forms, they are the result of careful execution and an intention to make a lasting gift. These could include bequests made in a will, naming Teton Regional Land Trust as a life insurance beneficiary, or using tax-wise giving options such as charitable remainder trusts and donor-advised funds.
Conservation supporters who have made planned gifts have had an extraordinary impact on our work. Thanks to early planned gifts, Teton Regional Land Trust has been able to become a secure, established land trust, better equipped to monitor perpetual easements. Planned gifts have also helped us protect thousands of acres and leverage millions of dollars in federal funding and foundation grants.
An Inspiring Example
Local icon and long-time proprietor of Mountaineering Outfitters in Driggs, Idaho, Fred Mugler was generous to many local causes, including Teton Regional Land Trust. When he died in 2003, he extended his generosity into perpetuity by leaving a large portion of his estate to the Land Trust for the “protection, restoration, and stewardship of land in Teton Valley”. Because of the permanent nature of our work, Fred chose the Land Trust for his gift that he wanted to last forever.
His bequest helped protect in perpetuity over 1400 acres of land in Teton Valley, including working farms and ranch land, winter range for elk and mule deer, scenic views along the Teton River and wetlands critical to wildlife. His legacy also expanded our wetlands outdoor classroom in Woods Creek Fen, creating a 60-acre property dedicated to helping students of all ages better understand and appreciate the wonderful place where we live.
Because so many federal grants require matching private dollars, the impact of Fred’s legacy grew and grew as our capable staff used his gift to leverage funding from other sources. Every dollar of Fred’s legacy brought over nine dollars in conservation funding to Teton Valley.
Every year, we remember Fred and his generosity with the Fred Mugler Volunteer Appreciation Award, given to volunteers who best exemplify Fred’s spirit of giving.
If your bequest to Teton Regional Land Trust involves real estate, it is very important to meet with our staff while the will is still in preparation. If you intend to bequeath a conservation easement, we need to determine whether the easement bequest conforms to board policy and discuss what restrictions will apply to your property. Teton Regional Land Trust will then draft the easement for you and your attorney to review. If your intention is to leave land to the Land Trust outright, we also need to understand your desires for the future conservation and use of the property. With this information about the land and your goals, we have a better chance of fulfilling your expectations and leaving your legacy exactly how you envision it.
If you are interested in including Teton Regional Land in your estate plans please download the planned gift form (below) and mail it to P.O. Box 247 Driggs, ID 83422, or email to kimt@tetonlandtrust.org. If you have any questions regarding this please contact Kim Trotter at 208.354.8939
Qualified Charitable Distributions
Support our work and save on taxes!
If you are 70½ or older and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you can lower your income taxes by making a tax-free gift from your IRA directly to the Teton Regional Land Trust. These gifts, called Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (up to $100,000 annually), and effectively lower your adjusted gross income giving you many tax benefits.
To qualify
- You must be age 70½ or older at the time you make your gift.
- Transfers must be made directly from your IRA account to the Teton Regional Land Trust.
- Gift must be outright with no material benefits received and cannot be used to fund gift annuities.
To make your qualified charitable distribution to Teton Regional Land Trust, please download this letter of instruction, fill it out, and give it to your broker.
