By Matt Bielby
Bequests are a vital and continuing resource that strengthens the Sierra Club’s ability to preserve our natural heritage for future generations. Most donors plan their gifts in the form of a general-use gift. This general support is the most helpful to us because it allows us to direct funds to our most crucial conservation priorities. However, should you have a specific environmental or programmatic interest, or if you wish to establish an endowment, we would be happy to assist you in planning a gift that meets your interests and the long-term goals of the Sierra Club and the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter.
Bequests to our local chapter support the conservation work right here in the Bay Area. This funding enables the Chapter to continue to protect the natural splendor of the San Francisco Bay Area and its regional wildlands for years to come. Planned gifts are particularly important to the Chapter as they can provide significant resources to allow for continued advocacy over an extended period of time. Bequests to the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter are not tax deductible; however, charitable (tax-deductible) bequests can be designated to the San Francisco Bay Chapter through the Sierra Club Foundation.
If you are planning a bequest, you may wish to consider the financial benefits of a life income trust. Many people have realized significant advantages by using a major portion of a planned bequest for the establishment of such a trust. Please contact us if you would like to see how a life income trust might benefit your specific situation. We can also provide you information on how a Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust can benefit both you and the Sierra Club. You can learn more on our Planned Giving page.
If you have any questions about planning a bequest for the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter, or if you are interested in learning more about life income trusts and other deferred gifts, please contact Matt Bielby at matt.bielby@sierraclub.org or (510) 848-0800 ext. 321.